Dear Team DPS:
It is with gratitude and sadness that I announce that Allen Smith will be leaving DPS to pursue an amazing opportunity in San Antonio, Texas. Allen is taking on the role of Superintendent of KIPP Texas Public Schools-San Antonio, a position that will enable him to make a significant impact on students’ futures while also meeting his family’s personal goals.
Allen has been an extraordinary and fully-committed partner as I have built a vision for equity in Denver Public Schools. He’s spent countless hours leading our restructuring as we focus on equity as a cornerstone to our work. Allen has led with integrity and I am thankful that he has spent 14 years supporting our students, educators and community by building a strong team focused on creating more equitable opportunities for all. His equity and engagement teams will continue to do groundbreaking work.
Allen said: “I would not be leaving DPS were it not for the unique timing of this opportunity in San Antonio, and the manner in which it aligns with my family’s needs. The hardest part of this very personal decision has been that I’m energized by and admire the vision and dedication Susana has; I know that she is the best leader for DPS. Susana has committed her life’s work to improving outcomes for all students in Denver. She and the brilliant and hard-working staff in the Equity office are going to accelerate this important work going forward.”
Finding our next leader for the Equity team is of the utmost importance, and I’ll share more information about these efforts soon. Allen will help us transition his work through mid-June. He will remain a friend of DPS always and I wish him tremendous success, and for his family the very best also as they begin this exciting next chapter.
Warm regards,
Susana
