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
Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...
Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...
Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...
AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...
After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...
Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises
New fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, bu...
What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame
Little Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver...
How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project
A delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike...
BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National
Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahe...