In January 2021, a group of students and parents gathered to form the DPS Students for Climate Action. They began advocating for changes to DPS policy that emphasized and prioritized climate action. Over the course of a year, these students met with DPS board members and administrators, attended Board public comment sessions regularly, and collected almost 4,000 signatures on their petition.

Their efforts succeeded in raising attention to these issues in the community and on the Board, shifting DPS culture in the process. Finally, on the day before Earth Day, the Denver Board of Education unanimously passed the students’ proposed climate policy, bringing the district in line with the City of Denver’s own ambitious climate goals. 

Climate Action End Statement: DPS shall be a national leader in establishing an organizational culture anchored in sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice in both the conservation of natural resources and in minimizing the carbon footprint of DPS’ practices.

Fighting for a “livable future” for themselves and future generations, the students campaigned for District to adopt a climate action end statement, modifications to current policies to increase recognition of environmental injustice, and these specific goals:

• To use 100% clean electricity by 2030
• To reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050
• To prioritize sustainability actions in schools and communities facing greater inequity and/or environmental injustice.

These goals were folded into the district’s Sustainability Management Plan (SMP). 

Darel Leedy: Controls Application Engineer

Darel_Leedy@dpsk12.org

Darel moved from Chicago to Colorado in 1973. He has a degree in HVAC technology and over 33 years of Controls experience. Darel joined DPS in 2007 to manage the intelligent Building Automation System (iBAS). He is a proponent of using direct digital controls to provide efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness for sustainable facilities. Darel’s passion for vintage Volkswagens and the outdoors has compelled him to travel throughout the western states while camping in his 1966 microbus.

Chris Woodburn: Program Specialist – Garden of Youth

Christopher_Woodburn@dpsk12.org

Chris was raised just outside of Denver and grew up gardening.  Naturally curious, he was working a summer job during college when the wondrous world of plants captured his attention.  After graduating, Chris continued growing his knowledge of plants at a local garden center before taking a job working with students with special needs at Manual High School.  There he was able to integrate gardening with students as they tended and expanded the garden.  Chris then worked with the 18-21 Transition Team and jumped at an opportunity to orchestrate the Garden of Youth job skills development program.  Since joining the DPS Sustainability Team full time, his role has expanded to become the garden contact for over 120 gardens across the district.  Chris loves to enjoy the wonder of nature with his 4 year old daughter.