POWER WITH PEOPLE

Cesar Cedillo arrived in the United States from Mexico when he was 8 years old. As a second-grader in Denver Public Schools, he had to learn English and navigate an unfamiliar environment.

“That’s why I got into teaching,” said Cedillo, who earned a History degree with a teaching certificate from Metropolitan State University of Denver. “I want to be that champion for students facing the same challenges.”

Cedillo has become that champion. As the chief of schools for DPS, his big-picture priority has been to ensure that students — especially those from underrepresented communities — feel welcomed. He’s also focused on supporting principals and teachers.

Those tasks come at a difficult time, as local educators and families face unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Attendance is down nationally. Self-harm is up considerably,” Cedillo said. “I want to work to put systems and resources in place to change that paradigm.”

Like many public school districts, DPS has experienced an enrollment decline, which leaders attribute to falling birth rates, high costs of living and the effects of the pandemic. Among the solutions being considered by administrators is closing schools.

Cedillo is no stranger to potential closures. As assistant principal at Bruce Randolph Middle School, he worked with then-Principal Kristin Waters to save the school from shutdown. Under the duo’s leadership, the school (now known as Bruce Randolph School) went from being among the worst-performing in Colorado to graduating 97% of its first senior class in 2010. Their efforts were recognized by then-President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union address.

As chief of schools, Cedillo is charged with ensuring that principals have the resources they need. He draws on his experiences as a student, educator and principal to develop systems that promote cohesiveness and success.

“The way I approach this job is to always be a humble leader,” he said. “When people know that you leave the ego at the door, it means you’re wanting to be part of the solution.

“When we’re having tough conversations, the trust is always there — they’re never trying to second-guess what I’m trying to get over to them. It’s power with rather than power over people.”