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Originally posted on EdNewsColorado, June 8, 2012. Copyright © EdNewsColorado.org
Read here. Written by Rebecca Jones.

But that recommendation from the district School Improvement and Accountability Council came with a number of caveats, including that the district also demonstrate its commitment to helping other high school in that part of the city thrive, and that it consider what evidence there is to show whether co-locating two high schools in the same building is beneficial.

Board members agreed that the wisdom of co-location is ripe for discussion. It has become an especially hot topic in northwest Denver lately since district officials have signaled their intention to put the proposed West Denver Prep High School on the North High School campus. That has created controversy among North supporters, who say West Denver Prep will impinge on North’s ability to grow.

City council members weigh in on co-location

On Wednesday, four members of the Denver City Council – Debbie Ortega, Susan Shepherd, Paul Lopez and Judy Montero – delivered a letter to Boasberg and school board members asking them not to approve the co-location. So far, opponents of the move have collected more than 750 signatures on a petition against it.

“We’ve gotten tremendous traction. The support from the community has been breath-taking,” said Mike Kiley, a leader in the Choose North Now coalition. “Our core concern is the co-location. We wish West Denver Prep well. We understand their parents want a high school. We’ve been talking a lot with DPS and the board about what alternatives we might find.”

District staff, in itsown recommendations to the board, also made the case for approving West Denver Prep’s application, and superintendent Tom Boasberg reiterated that he wants to see the school open at North.