Announcements

Michael Gaither has been appointed to serve as the Executive Director for the New Schools Office.

With more than 13 years of experience in the education field, Gaither will lead this office which has oversight for new school development, charter schools and school innovation efforts. Gaither and his team will be responsible for the Request for Proposal process, coordination with community stakeholders and outside funding sources, recruiting and guiding qualified school developers and operators, evaluating proposals for new schools, and supporting the implementation of approved new schools.

Formerly, Gaither served as Principal in schools including Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College and Cowell Elementary School in Denver, and Edison Ingalls and Isely Academies in Wichita, Kansas.

Prior to coming to Denver, Gaither worked as both the Academy Director and Principal of two Edison schools in Wichita, Kansas. Edison is a private organization that partnered with Wichita Public Schools in an effort to provide research-based educational services to students in low-income, high poverty neighborhoods.  

In 2005-2006, Gaither led the development and implementation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. revitalization plan utilizing the "Early College" model to improve student performance in a low-performing school. Gaither was able to create successful community partnerships with numerous organizations including Oakwood Homes, The Foundation for Educational Excellence, Far Northeast Denver Business Association and the Community College of Aurora to meet the goals of the revitalization plan and needs of the students and community.

Throughout his career as an instructional leader, Gaither has been successful at improving student achievement and in creating opportunities for his students and their families both inside and outside of his buildings. In 2006, he received the prestigious MetLife Ambassadors in Education Award recognizing outstanding educators in the public school system. The award honors middle school and high school educators who are building partnerships and communicating beyond their schools for the betterment of the entire community.

Most recently, Gaither worked with new Principal Julie Murgel on the development and planning for the new Cole Arts and Science Academy, in preparation for its opening this fall 2008.

About the New Schools Office

The New Schools Office (NSO) is responsible for cultivating, authorizing and overseeing a portfolio of new schools designed to improve the performance of DPS students and respond to identified community needs. Denver Public Schools is committed to developing a range of strong educational options for all students and families in Denver, and the New Schools Office coordinates this effort. The office leads the district's efforts to develop an overall strategy and operating plan for opening quality new schools, including both district schools and charter schools. The New Schools Office catalyzes and supports the development of new schools that embrace school-based decision-making, broad stakeholder engagement, and expanded autonomy, with clear accountability and high performance standards.

Visit the New Schools Office Web site