Denver, CO
Denver school board censures John Youngquist over his treatment of DPS staff
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education on Thursday formally reprimanded director John Youngquist for his behavior toward district staff, which an outside investigation found was “belittling, dismissive and condescending.”
The school board voted 5 to 1 to censure Youngquist, a rare move that came at the request of Superintendent Alex Marrero and after directors already publicly scolded their colleague twice this year for his behavior toward DPS employees. Youngquist abstained from the vote.
“The decision to impose censure on a fellow board member is not taken lightly,” board Vice President Marlene De La Rosa said. “It is essential that every member of this board uphold the values of equity, professionalism, accountability and respect that our district stands for.”
Thursday’s vote was the second time in four years that a DPS school board has censured a member, which is the strongest step directors can take to rebuke a colleague. The board does not have the authority to remove a member.
A previous board censured former director Auon’tai Anderson in 2021 after a third-party investigation found he flirted online with a teenage student and made intimidating social media posts.
Youngquist has remained defiant in the face of the investigation’s results, accusing DPS leaders of retaliating against him and refusing to issue a blanket apology.
The board launched the investigation into Youngquist after Marrero, in an email to board President Carrie Olson, accused Youngquist of hostile behavior toward district staffers — especially employees of color — and of wanting his job.
The investigation, the results of which were released last month, found that Youngquist showed biases in his interaction with employees of color, but was inconclusive on whether that bias was deliberate, as the director did not show overt racism, such as the use of slurs.
DPS employees, most of whom are people of color, told investigators that Youngquist cuts them off in conversations, has refused to shake hands and declines to meet with them. Staff said the director questions them in a way that it appears Youngquist believes they are lying or unable to do their jobs, according to the report.
Attorneys with the Denver-based firm Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow and Farbes conducted the investigation.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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Denver, CO
Tempers flare during another tightly contested matchup between Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder
The University of Denver will close the Ricks Center for Gifted Children next year as enrollment has fallen in recent years, the college announced this week.
The Ricks Center, which serves gifted children as young as 3 years old, will operate for the 2026-27 academic year before closing, according to a letter DU sent parents on Wednesday.
“The University of Denver has made the difficult decision to close the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year,” spokesman Jon Stone said in a statement. “This decision reflects long-term operational and financial considerations and is not a reflection of the school’s quality, leadership, or community.”
The center, which is located on DU’s campus, was started in 1984 as the University Center for Gifted Young Children. The program offers classes to students in preschool through eighth grade, according to the website.
The program, along with other public K-12 schools in the state, has experienced declining enrollment in recent years. The center enrolled 142 students for the 2025-26 academic year, which is down from 200 pupils four years ago.
The center will hold a meeting about the pending closure on March 6 for parents.
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David Fountaine Black
OBITUARY
Dave and Martha and their three boys moved to Denver in 1974 when Dave started work at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. He and a business partner later purchased Mid-America Plating Company. Dave operated Mid-America for 36 years and finally retired in 2018.
He was a great golfer and natural athlete. Dave was an avid runner, and for many years, he woke up before the sun to get his miles in before work. He and Martha loved playing bridge with friends, gardening – growing fruit and flowers – and spending time outside relaxing and walking on the High Line Canal Trail and in Bible Park. Dave and Martha enjoyed getting back to Arizona during the winter at their Tucson home. They loved spending time with their family.
Dave passed away on February 20, 2026. He is loved by family and friends and will be missed. Dave was a hard-working, kind, optimistic, and thoughtful person who leaves the world a better place. He is survived by his wife, Martha, and his three sons, Dave (Robin), Tom (Debbie), Eric (Kendra), as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Casey (Nicole), Jake (Ashleigh and great granddaughter Faye), Hailey (Robby and great granddaughter Jensen), Keenan (Nicole and great granddaughter Olivia), Griffin, and Addie (Erik).
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