As election day draws nearer, evidence suggests that Denver voters may be growing increasingly dissatisfied with the city's all-union backed school board. According to recent polls, about 70 percent of likely voters in Denver are likely to cast their ballots for candidates endorsed by the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA). However, at the same time, a whopping 71 percent of those same voter’s express dissatisfaction with the school board.

This trend raises important questions about the true motivation behind the DCTA's endorsements and the impact these endorsements may have on the education system in Denver.

Many political experts have pointed to the influence and financial backing that comes with a teachers' union endorsement, suggesting that it may be a deciding factor for voters who may not be fully informed about the candidates and their platforms.

The November election in Denver comes at a time when many voters are deeply dissatisfied with the school board. A recent poll conducted by Keating Research found that 50 percent of likely Denver voters have an unfavorable opinion of the board, with an additional 21 percent holding a very unfavorable opinion.

This dissatisfaction has been fueled by a number of controversies, including school closures, gun violence, and the termination of a popular principal.

Despite this dissatisfaction, the DCTA has continued to endorse two incumbents for the board, Directors Scott Baldermann and Charmaine Lindsay. What's more, the union has also endorsed candidates in other races, including one for House District 8.

This raises concerns about the true motivations behind the DCTA's endorsements. Rob Gould, president of the DCTA, questioned whether the union should be held accountable for the school board's decisions, saying, "The underlying assumption is we're happy with the behavior, too... and no, we're not happy either."

In fact, the data suggests that union-backed candidates may not always have the best interests of students in mind. According to Kogan, the only consistent predictor of when a teachers' union endorses a candidate is teacher salaries.

This indicates that unions may be more concerned with their own interests rather than the needs of students.

Even some candidates who have received the union's endorsement have expressed confusion and skepticism about the decision. Brittni Johnson, a community organizer running for a district at-large seat, questioned the union's message and raised concerns about whether their actions truly align with the best interests of students.

In the words of political consultant Dick Wadhams, "The voters have decided that this board has failed... you would think, given the deep unpopularity of the board, that voters would know that part of the reason this board has been such a failure is because of the DCTA."

Ultimately, the decision of who to vote for in the upcoming election falls to the voters of Denver. Will they choose to continue down the same path with an all-union backed school board, or will they seek out new candidates who prioritize the needs of students over the demands of powerful unions? The answer will soon be revealed on election day.