DENVER (April 14, 2025) –  A newly released poll commissioned by Denver Families Action and performed by Keating Research reveals deep dissatisfaction among likely Denver voters ahead of this fall’s school board elections, with less than 1 in 4 viewing the current board favorably and 89% expressing concern about access to quality public schools across the city. 

Low Favorability, Large Gaps in Views of Board

While a majority of respondents felt that Denver Public Schools (DPS) was moving in the right direction, polling highlighted the community’s largely unfavorable view of the DPS Board of Education – particularly among respondents with children in DPS and those who had recently seen news about the Board.

• The Board had a 2-to-1 unfavorability ratio with 45% of respondents holding an unfavorable view and just 22% holding a favorable one.

• One of the largest gaps in favorability was between Denver voters with children in DPS (61% unfavorable) versus those without (39% unfavorable).

• There was dissatisfaction among those who had seen recent news coverage about the Board, with 66% responding with an unfavorable opinion.

Concerns with Educational Equity, Leadership, Politics

Nearly 9 in 10 respondents expressed concern about every student in DPS receiving a quality education, with many viewing poor leadership and politics as obstacles to the Board’s effectiveness.

• Access to quality public schools in every Denver neighborhood emerged as the top concern among voters with 89% saying they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned.

• Infighting/Dysfunction/Poor Leadership were terms most commonly used to describe perceptions of the Board, identified by 42% of respondents.

• When asked what the Board is doing wrong, 31% responded with “political ideology focus over education” and “lack of focus on educational outcomes.”

“Voters and families are sounding the alarm,” said Clarence Burton Jr., CEO of Denver Families Action. “They want leaders who will restore trust in the system, who focus on solutions, and who put the right to a great public education above politics and infighting.”

Community Identifies Top Priorities for DPS 

Themes of academic quality, school funding, safety, and mental health emerged as key concerns for the community.

• Academic performance and curriculum quality were cited as the top two challenges facing DPS, each mentioned by 30% of respondents. Voters also prioritized school funding and teacher pay, with 27% naming funding and 21% citing teacher pay and retention as top issues facing DPS.

• When asked about student and teacher safety, 86% of respondents said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned.

• Mental health was named by 85% of those surveyed as an issue they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned about.

• Support for increasing property taxes to raise teacher salaries was strong, with more than 3 in 5 voters in favor, including over one-third who said they “strongly support” the measure.

“During our community Issues Assembly last fall, we heard some powerful stories about not just the academic challenges students are facing but the fear they feel for their safety in school and the struggle to get mental health support,” said Felipe Vierya, Director of Programs and Advocacy for Denver Families Action. “It’s important for us to continue to focus on these key issue areas so that public education in our city can thrive.”

With school board elections approaching this November, Denver Families Action will continue its work of amplifying community voices, advocating for solutions, and holding leaders accountable.

The hybrid survey was conducted by Keating Research from Feb. 25 – March 3, 2025, and consisted of 600 likely Denver voters in the November 2025 election.