Denver Schools Struggle Under Weight of Immigrant Surge

The Denver community has accommodated over 41,000 undocumented immigrants during the past two years, leading to resource depletion and resentment from locals. Similar situations can be observed across other blue cities in America. This article series titled ‘Cost of the Migrant Crisis’ explores the impact on schools, healthcare systems, and communities within Denver specifically (Part One). In Part Two, we focus on how these new arrivals have strained school resources, particularly at Eagleton Elementary School where enrollment has surged due to migrants. Colorado provides a base per-pupil funding amount that is adjusted based on district size, cost of living and student poverty levels; Denver had approximately 500 undocumented students in previous years but this year saw an average weekly intake rate exceeding that mark requiring up to $837K from DPS resources for supporting them. Colorado’s governor signed off a one-time funding request allocating $24 million mainly going toward communities hardest hit, where upwards of 90% are migrant students (Denver receiving the lion’s share). Schools must accommodate these newcomers despite legal obligations to provide education for all children residing in America. Principals like Janine Dillabaugh have had to contend with staffing shortages and revamp almost every aspect of school operations, including hiring car services due to a lack of transportation options for students’ families who moved into the area. Mental health concerns are also an issue as teachers deal with classroom overcrowding, discipline problems, and student trauma stories that leave them emotionally drained.