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Denver Public Schools Appoints New Superintendent

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 16:05 GMT by Dallas Express Media
      Locales: Colorado, UNITED STATES

Denver, Colorado - February 18, 2026 - Denver Public Schools (DPS) is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Dr. Antoine Johnson as its new Superintendent, effective March 1, 2026. The announcement, made yesterday, signals a commitment to addressing long-standing challenges and propelling the district toward improved student outcomes and equitable opportunities. Dr. Johnson succeeds Dr. Susana Cordova, who previously announced her departure, leaving a legacy of dedicated service.

Dr. Johnson arrives in Denver with a distinguished track record, most recently serving as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. His experience navigating the complexities of large, urban school districts makes him uniquely positioned to lead DPS through its current period of transition and growth. While specifics of his vision for DPS are still forthcoming, his background suggests a focus on data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and innovative pedagogical approaches.

Beyond the superintendent's role, DPS has strategically filled key cabinet-level positions to support Dr. Johnson's leadership. Dr. Leslie Williams has been appointed Chief Academic Officer, tasked with overseeing curriculum development, instructional practices, and student assessment. Her expertise in educational research and implementation of proven strategies will be critical in tackling persistent achievement gaps within the district. Mr. David Chen assumes the role of Chief Operations Officer, responsible for the efficient management of the district's resources, facilities, and support services. Streamlining operations and ensuring fiscal responsibility are key priorities under his leadership.

The timing of these leadership changes is particularly significant. DPS, like many urban school districts across the nation, has been grappling with the repercussions of the pandemic, widening achievement gaps, and evolving student needs. Data released late last year indicated that while overall graduation rates remain steady, significant disparities persist among different student populations. Specifically, students from low-income families and students of color continue to lag behind their peers in key academic areas such as literacy and mathematics.

The district acknowledges these challenges and has outlined a strategic plan focused on three key pillars: academic excellence, equitable access, and community partnership. Dr. Johnson and his team are expected to build upon this framework, developing specific initiatives to address the root causes of inequity and ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes a potential overhaul of the district's funding model to prioritize schools with the greatest needs, as well as expanded access to early childhood education programs.

Community engagement will be another critical component of the district's strategy. DPS Board President Maria Rodriguez emphasized the importance of collaboration with families, educators, and local organizations in a statement released Tuesday. "These changes are about ensuring DPS is positioned for success and providing all our students with the opportunities they deserve," she said. "We are confident that Dr. Johnson and his team will lead DPS forward and create a brighter future for our students." The district plans to host a series of town hall meetings and focus groups in the coming months to solicit input from stakeholders and foster a sense of shared ownership in the reform process.

The transition period will be carefully managed, with outgoing Superintendent Cordova working closely with Dr. Johnson to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. A detailed transition timeline and a roadmap of specific initiatives are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Observers predict that Dr. Johnson will quickly conduct a comprehensive review of existing programs and policies, identifying areas for improvement and innovation. Potential areas of focus include expanding access to advanced coursework, strengthening career and technical education pathways, and enhancing support services for students with disabilities.

While the challenges facing DPS are significant, the appointment of Dr. Johnson and the strengthening of the district's leadership team offer a renewed sense of optimism. The success of these reforms will depend on a collective commitment to collaboration, innovation, and a unwavering focus on the needs of all students.