KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy
Message from KIPP Colorado Board of Directors
04/15/19, 1:07 PM
Dear KNDLA Team and Family,
I am reaching out to update you on the internal investigation and leadership transition at KNDLA.
In February, I communicated with you that KNDLA leader Mr. Grant Erwin raised concerns he had to the KIPP Colorado Board of Directors. We take these concerns seriously, so the Board swiftly hired an independent investigator to conduct an investigation. Following a five week period of carefully and thoroughly looking into Mr. Erwin’s claims and concerns, the investigator has provided the Board with a summary report. The report concludes that there were no findings to support or substantiate the concerns brought to the KIPP Colorado Board of Directors.
With the best interests of our students and staff in mind, the KIPP Colorado Board of Directors has decided that Mr. Erwin will remain on administrative leave for the remainder of the school year. Out of respect for Mr. Erwin and all parties involved in the investigation and the confidential nature of the situation, the Board is restricted in having any further discussion of its decision.
The Board appreciates the work Mr. Erwin has done since the founding of KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, and value his contributions to our school since we opened our doors. KNDLA has consistently been ranked one of Denver’s highest performing high schools, having received a distinguished “blue” rating on Denver Public Schools’ School Performance Framework for three consecutive years. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Mr. Kurt Pusch will remain the interim principal at the school through the end of the school year. Additionally, the KNDLA Successor Leader Selection Team is nearing the end of the search for a permanent successor and will continue to share updates on the progress of this decision. In the meantime, we look forward to continuing to work together to give all of our students the top-notch education they deserve, while setting them up for success in college and beyond.
With gratitude,
Ken Joel
Chair, KIPP Colorado Board of Directors
