The ‘Seclusion Room’ Scandal at DPS, Pricey Port-a-Potties, and Roller Coasters
What a week it was in Denver! First, DPS is in the midst of a crisis, this time involving a fired principal, a questionable student “seclusion room” with a lock on the door, and a whistleblower unloading some serious allegations — all centered on the McAuliffe International School, a middle school in Park Hill. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by returning guest, public school teacher and HD4 candidate Tim Hernández to break down this complicated situation. Then, wins and fails of the week, from some important roller coaster news and new renter protection laws a Boulder case involving the devastating and permanently disabling outcome of solitary confinement.
Just a note: This episode contains graphic mentions of self-harm.
What do you think about the “seclusion room” at McAuliffe? This is a developing situation, and we’re far from finished talking about it. So we want to hear from you! Tell us what you think in a text or a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show soon: 720-500-5418
Find out more about Tim’s run for House District 4 here; and his opponents Rochelle Galindo and Cecilia Espenoza. Paul played a clip of this 9News report on former McAuliffe principal Kurt Dennis’s firing, shared an excerpt from this letter from parent of a student who spent time in the room in question, and talked about the new Department of Public Safety dashboards. We also discussed the 9News interview some say Dennis was fired for giving.
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
- Colorado Wine Board
- Girl Scouts of Colorado - DreamLab
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Wanda James on Working for Barack Obama, Being Censured, and Running for Congress
Diana DeGette has been representing Denver in congress since 1997, winning reelection 14 times in nearly 30 years on the job. The 1st Con...

Melat Kiros on Money in Politics, Antisemitism, and Her Run for Congress
Could Denver see a new face in congress in 2026? Diana DeGette has held the 1st Congressional District seat for nearly thirty years, hand...

Will the Broncos Stadium Actually Get Built By 2030? Plus, AI Backlash in Englewood and Which Congressperson Snubbed Us?
Last week the City of Englewood shared a video about the work they are doing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But the municipality was...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Denver
The sun is out, and we’re ready to take a dip! From a cool way to rent a boat to the best spots to get in – or near – the water on a day...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Denver
Where would Denver be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the...

Gov. Polis is Trolling Again, Pattie Gonia vs Patagonia, and How to Be a Water Narc
Gov. Jared Polis has been the talk of the town since he commuted the sentence of noted 2020 election denier and former Mesa County clerk...

What Are Colorado's 'Unlikeliest' Places to Find Love? Plus, Denver's Tapas Moment
From Chef Theo Adley’s French-inspired small plates at Heretíc to Johnny Curiel's Spanish bistro bites at Mar Bella Boqueria, tapas are h...

Has DIA Finally Fixed Its Delayed Train Problem? Plus, the Fight for Police Reform in Aurora
The family of Kilyn Lewis – a 37 year-old unarmed Black man shot and killed by Aurora police in 2024 – filed another lawsuit against the...

2026's Precarious Peach Crop, Immigrant Visa Issues, and More Insider Farmers Market Facts
A warm winter combined with late-spring cold snaps and ongoing drought concerns are impacting Colorado growers across the state. But what...

Unsheltered Homelessness Drops, Denver Wildfire Concerns, and Was Casa Bonita a $50M Mistake?
Are wildfires a threat Denverites should be worried about? After the urban devastation the Front Range experienced with the Marshall Fire...

