Thank you for your support District 5! I am honored to be your next DPS School Board Director!
Marlene for DPS Kids.
I am a candidate for Denver Public School Board of Directors, District 5
About Marlene
Marlene De La Rosa is a 4th generation Denverite and mother of two DPS graduates who is running for the Denver Public School Board to bring focus back where it belongs - on the kids. Marlene has lived in Northwest Denver for almost 30 years with her family going back four generations. Marlene raised her two twin children as a single mom - TaShina and LaPhonso Salas - who graduated from East and North High School. Marlene’s son is now a firefighter and 5th generation homeowner in Northwest Denver, and her daughter works for a non-profit organization.
Marlene is running for school board because DPS students deserve better. The achievement gap is far too high and the current board has put politics ahead of common sense solutions for far too long and is subsequently failing all students, particularly those who come from communities of color and low-income families.
Marlene’s twins' enrollment in the Mile High Montessori head start program was a transformative experience. Throughout her children’s academic years, Marlene was an active presence, engaging in their schools' Collaborative School Committees and seizing district parent empowerment opportunities.
Marlene served various organizations including the Hispanic Chamber Education Foundation, DPS Hispanic Education Advisory Council, and DPS Parent Advisory Council, Circle of Latina Leadership and the National Council of La Raza. Her dedication to North High School as a volunteer being the “team mom” for the boys basketball teams spanned 11 years. Marlene's exemplary work in the parent engagement standards of the Denver Plan culminated in the creation and subsequent adoption of a district-wide parent engagement plan.
Marlene worked over three decades at the Department of Justice US Immigration Court, retiring as a Legal Court Specialist. From her youth, Marlene has exhibited an unwavering commitment to equity in education. Her involvement began during her teen years at the Chicano Education Project.
In her current roles, Marlene is a Mayoral appointee to both the Denver Parks and Recreation advisory board and the Denver Latino Commission. Additionally, she assists at Denver Cafecito and presides as the Chair of the LatinasGive! Giving Circle. Above all, Marlene cherishes family moments and finds joy in baking birthday cakes for children.
Why I am Running
My name is Marlene De La Rosa, and I am a candidate for Denver Public School Board of Directors, District 5. I am running for school board because a high-quality public education is the foundation we need for our students in Denver. While my own children attended DPS, I participated in numerous parent engagement opportunities to ensure I could supplement my children’s educational experience. I worked to have equity in education not only for my own kids but for all students.
