Letter from the President and CEO:
Dear Friends of Denver Preschool Program,
It is always difficult to let go when you want to hold on, so it is with very mixed emotions that I share the news that I will be stepping down from my role with Denver Preschool Program (DPP) effective Jan. 18, 2019. It has been my great honor to serve the City of Denver’s youngest learners and their families for the past five and a half years as president and CEO of DPP.
Many of you will ask, “Why?” And I want to be transparent about the fact that I am not leaving to assume a new role or pursue a different career path. This is a personal decision based on the extreme loss I’ve experienced in my family over the past few years. I need time to pause, reflect and recharge.
DPP will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am extremely proud of the work our staff, board of directors and everyone who is committed to the success of our city’s youngest learners have accomplished together. This includes reauthorizing and increasing Denver’s preschool sales tax through 2026 with the 2014 ballot initiative, redesigning our tuition credit scale to make preschool more affordable for Denver families with 4-year-olds, and expanding our quality improvement efforts to include scholarships and achievement awards that better support our teachers and directors. We’ve also put a robust strategic plan in place to guide DPP through 2021 and created a new space in our remodeled office where we can welcome the early childhood community for trainings and events.
I have always been passionate – both personally and professionally – about early childhood education and related family support services. That passion has not dimmed, and I fully expect to return to this field in some capacity after I’ve taken time to take care of myself and my family. In the meantime, I have every confidence that DPP is well-positioned to continue to grow in strength and impact over the coming years.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support of the young children of Denver and their families, and I look forward to continuing to watch the impact of DPP grow in our community.
Warmly,
Jennifer Landrum
President and CEO
Message from the Board Chair:
To All of Our Friends of DPP,
It is with gratitude and sadness that I acknowledge the difficult decision Jennifer has made. Jennifer has served with vision, boldness and a constant and deep commitment to improving the lives of Denver’s young children and supporting Denver families. The board, staff and community are going to miss her in this role. The board of directors firmly supports Jennifer’s decision and wishes her all the best.
I want to assure you that, as Jennifer mentioned above, DPP will continue to grow in strength and impact. The board will engage in a formal search process for a president and CEO for DPP this spring, with community input and a firm commitment to finding a strong and inspiring new leader. In the meantime, Ellen Braun, DPP’s deputy director, will serve in that interim role until a new president and CEO is named and on board. The members of our board have worked closely with Ellen over the years, and we have full confidence in her capabilities and commitment.
Thanks to each of you for your continued support of DPP. I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
Best,
Chris Watney
Chair of the Board