A reasonable observer might wonder about the priorities of Denver Public Schools. Consider a couple of recent headlines. Here’s one from 9New: “DPS superintendent [Alex Marrero] says even students accused of attempted murder should be eligible to return to their classrooms.” And one from a report by Sherrie Peif for Complete Colorado: “Report finds Denver Public Schools using left-wing political litmus test in teacher hiring.”

If you listen to Marrero, you might get the impression that Denver schools are doing a great job. Russell Haythorn gulped down Marrero’s hash for a Denver7 article. Haythorn wrote, “Marrero said the district is ecstatic to have reached the majority of its goals.” Ecstatic, wow!

Here are a few things from Marrero that Haythorn uncritically wrote down: “I feel incredible. I’m encouraged, motivated to continue in the right direction. . . . This is something that needs to be celebrated. . . . When it comes to our math scores, in particular, when it comes to grades 3 to 8, we’ve met and surpassed. And we have to be competitive.” Haythorn says not a word about what those results are.

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