Multiple anonymous staff members from Columbian Elementary School in Denver have described the 2023-2024 school year as “hard,” “depressing,” and “scary” due to concerns about a second-grade teacher allegedly being drunk during work hours. Staff members raised concerns to administrators, including the principal, as early as November 2023, but action was not taken until a report was made to Safe2tell in March 2024. Denver Public Schools confirmed that the teacher in question was placed on paid administrative leave and will not be returning to the district.
Denver7 Investigates filed requests for records under the Colorado Open Records Act, which were mostly denied by DPS citing exemptions. However, some emails were provided, including one from a grandparent alleging that eight teachers reported the accused teacher for being drunk at work. The district also withheld emails discussing personnel issues under the deliberative privilege.
Staff members claim that concerns were brought to the principal for several months without any action being taken. Denver7 Investigates reached out to the principal but did not receive a response. The staff members hope that Denver Public Schools takes accountability for the situation and removes the principal to ensure the healing of the community at Columbian Elementary School.
Anyone with tips or information related to this investigation can contact the Denver7 Investigates team through their website or by emailing investigates@Denver7.com.
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