DSST: Cole Middle School

DSST: Cole building challenges

02/13/24, 3:40 PM

Dear DSST: Cole Families

I want to express my sincere apologies and gratitude for your continued understanding as we have navigated multiple building closures this school year. We know that disruptions like this cause many challenges. It is hard to fathom why we have had so many this school year. These disruptions are just as frustrating to us as they are to you. The Cole Team and DSST staff are here because your children and their education are deeply important to us, and we value each day and moment as a community.  

We know there have been multiple building closures on our campus this year. These situations in our DPS-operated building, related to our mechanical system, Xcel electrical lines, and today, our Denver Water-operated water line, are unacceptable. Unfortunately, they have been out of our control. In each scenario, our team has worked tirelessly with our external partners to correct the situation to ensure a quick and safe return to the building. It is always our last choice to cancel school, and our commitment is always to provide a safe learning environment for our students.

This year has been unprecedented in the number of challenges we've had in our building. Please know that each of our closure decisions is taken very seriously, with many internal and external voices as part of the decisions, including school leadership, our partners at DPS, external partners at the city and DSST network leadership.

Thank you again for your understanding and partnership and please reach out to Ian and his team if you have further questions. 

Best,
Bill Kurtz
CEO, DSST Public Schools