Denver school board member DJ Torres resigns

DJ Torres announced his resignation from the Denver Public Schools board on Thursday. A district spokesperson confirmed receipt of his resignation, which was accepted during a virtual board meeting that Torres did not attend.

In a statement, Torres said the board’s dynamics had strained his mental health and well-being. He declined to comment further. "My mental health and how I show up for my family are my number one priority," Torres said. He added that his family deserved more of him after nearly ten months serving on the board. Torres was elected last November and his term was not due to expire until 2029.

Allegations and defenses detailed

Board President Xóchitl Gaytán had accused Torres and Vice President Monica Hunter of a long list of policy violations. The allegations against Torres included missing multiple regular meetings, work sessions, and finance committee meetings. He was also accused of failing to attend a board-related conference after the district paid his expenses and canceling virtual meetings with district employees.

Gaytán further alleged Torres gave a possible unauthorized directive to Superintendent Alex Marrero to recognize a labor union of district employees. Additionally, she said he refused to speak with her by phone.

Torres defended himself against each point. He stated board policy does not require perfect attendance. He said his childcare fell through, causing him to miss the conference, and that he had repaid all related expenses except the non-refundable conference fee, which allowed him to access the materials.

Regarding the directive to the superintendent, Torres disputed the characterization, saying he told Marrero to follow an established district policy. He explained his refusal to communicate by phone was to ensure all interactions were documented.

Board proceedings and next steps

The board was set to publicly discuss these allegations for a third time at its Thursday afternoon meeting. It was potentially set to take action on them. The district spokesperson said Gaytán would address the resignation during that session.

No investigation was ordered into the allegations against Torres. Under state law, the remaining six board directors now have 60 days to appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the District 3 seat.

Broader board tensions and context

Torres' resignation follows escalating internal disputes. He repeatedly clashed with Gaytán over several issues. Torres was among members who wanted to meet over the summer to discuss Superintendent Marrero's employment after he applied for another job. That effort failed to gain enough support after two colleagues backed out.

Torres, Hunter, and Gaytán were all initially backed by the Denver Classroom Teachers Association. Torres and Hunter had disputes with both Marrero and Gaytán about board operations, with Marrero accusing some members of overstepping their authority.

Parallel to the conflict with Torres, the board is dealing with serious allegations against Vice President Hunter. Last month, it ordered an outside investigation into accusations that Hunter used antisemitic language, which she denies. The board later voted to rescind that vote to open discussion about other allegations against Hunter and Torres.

After a closed session with an attorney, the board voted again to approve the investigation into Hunter but narrowed its scope. Gaytán pushed for it to be limited to interviewing herself, Hunter, director Amy Klein Molk, and Superintendent Marrero. A vote on censuring Hunter was delayed until October 8.

The remaining six directors have 60 days to appoint a replacement for Torres' seat.