Latino leaders are complaining that the Denver Public School Board's did not consider Hispanics before choosing a finalist for the superintendent’s job even though Latino students make up 60 percent of those enrolled in the district..
The newly formed Colorado Latino Forum says the selection process was secretive.
The board chose 44-year-old Tom Boasberg as the sole finalist to replace superintendent Michael Bennet. Gov. Bill Ritter picked Bennet last week to fill the U.S. Senate seat left open by Ken Salazar, who is President-elect Barack Obama’s choice for Interior Secretary.
More than 20 Latino Forum members signed a letter Friday to school board president Theresa Pena asking to talk about having a transparent and open process for Boasberg's selection and future appointments.
"It is a shame that you would announce such an important appointment without even going to the community that has the most to lose or gain," they say in the letter.
Former Denver Councilwoman Ramona Martinez said Latinos "are disappointed that our voices continue to be ignored" by people they help to get elected.
Boasberg, who has been the district's chief operating officer since May 2007, told The Denver Post editorial board Friday that he's a good choice because he's been part of recent reforms at the district and that it's not "a time to bring someone else new in."
"I've played a large role in the past two years of helping to set that direction,” he said. “What we need to do is make sure we're continuing that direction and accelerating."
