Caron Blanke

Caron brings unmatched experience in early childhood education and nonprofit leadership, deep ties to the DPS community as a parent, and a clear commitment to equity, safety, and student success. She will be a courageous, collaborative board member who ensures every child is seen, every voice is heard, and every school is a place where students can thrive.

• A dedicated DPS parent and community volunteer
  With two DPS graduates and one current DPS student, Caron has spent 11 years as an active parent volunteer, bringing firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Denver’s schools. Her long-term engagement across multiple schools gives her unique insight into both the strengths and gaps in our district.
• A values-driven leader with decades of experience putting children first
  Caron has spent over 25 years leading work locally and nationally in early childhood education and the nonprofit sector. Her nonprofit consulting focuses on ensuring board governance that is healthy, values-driven, and effective—skills that will greatly benefit the DPS Board of Education. She has successfully guided schools and organizations through major transitions, ensuring that decision-making remains anchored in community values and student needs.
• Proven record of building exceptional learning environments
  With a double master’s degree in social work and as director of Denver’s JCC Early Learning School, Caron created a nationally recognized program known for excellence in teaching, inclusive practices, and strong parent engagement. Under her leadership, the school became a model site for early childhood education nationally, drawing educators from across the country to learn from its practices. She has coached and consulted with early childhood directors nationwide on creating cultures where students thrive and parent voices are heard.
• Committed to equitable systems and student success
  Caron takes a big-picture approach to understanding and improving organizational culture, structure, and dynamics. As a values-driven leader, she is dedicated to fostering positive change and creating equitable systems that reflect community values, with a focus on supporting all students, especially those historically underserved, including students of color, multilingual learners, and children with disabilities.