Aug. 27, 2024

Dear Team DPS,

I am excited to announce that I have selected two outstanding individuals to fill vital cabinet-level roles on our DPS Team. 

Deborah Staten has been selected to serve DPS as our Chief of Staff. A Denver native, Deborah graduated from our own Thomas Jefferson High School. She served as the principal of Contemporary Learning Academy from 2011-2013, was an instructional superintendent for the Pathways Network, led our Student Equity and Opportunity team, and up until this point has served as the Deputy Chief of Staff. Deborah’s depth of knowledge about DPS as a whole and about what it takes to work toward equity for all of our students, is an incredible asset to our leadership team. We look forward to her support in continuing to make a difference for all of our students.

Students First is Not Just Our Most Important Core Value — It’s Why We Exist.

I am thrilled to announce the formation of the new Student and Family Empowerment Department at DPS. This unique and groundbreaking initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the voices of our students and families are at the heart of everything we do.

This department is more than just an organizational shift—it’s a promise. A promise that the needs, aspirations and perspectives of our students and their families will be central to every decision and every conversation within our district. By bringing together the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department with Student Voice and Leadership, we are creating a powerful team dedicated to amplifying the voices that matter most.

This initiative is not just about listening; it's about transforming our schools to reflect the hopes and dreams of our community. We believe that when students and families are empowered, our entire district thrives. Together, we are not just building a better DPS, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

Solicia Ester Lopez has been selected to serve DPS as the Interim Chief of Student and Family Empowerment. Solicia is a familiar face returning to DPS and was born and raised in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood. She is a third generation Colorado native and is an alumni of Denver Public Schools, Metro State University and Regis University. Previous to accepting this new role, she launched RedSol Consulting in 2022 to assist organizations with community engagement, fostering youth/adult partnerships and strategic planning amongst other services.

She is also the Founder and former director of the Student Voice and Leadership programs in Denver Public Schools. Solicia is recognized as a leader and activist in her community. Throughout her decorated career, her primary focus has been on uplifting young people. She aims not only to bolster their resilience in challenging situations, but also to instill in them the skills and confidence to advocate for their own needs and those of their community. Through her programs, individuals not only learn to navigate and adapt to their circumstances but also develop critical thinking abilities to understand the underlying contexts shaping those circumstances. Ultimately, she equips the community with the tools to identify necessary changes and advocate for them effectively.

Please join me in congratulating Deborah and Solicia on their new roles.

In collaboration,

Dr. Alex Marrero

Superintendent