Commerce City in the News

Educator raises concerns about out-of-field assignments, student tracking, and lack of curriculum ahead of fall semester

At a June 16 Adams County School District 14 School Board meeting, a fifth-year social studies teacher stood before the board and laid out a picture of institutional dysfunction that she said has been building for years and raises serious questions about district priorities as the school year approaches.

Karol Martinez, a graduate of Adams City High School, who returned to teach at her alma mater, told board members and Superintendent of School, Dr. Karla Loria, that the end of the school year was "chaotic and unstable" and that things may not improve much when students return in the fall.

Commerce City Council recently concluded a productive two-day retreat with a clear sense of direction and a shared commitment to moving the city forward on its most pressing challenges. The session brought all nine council members together alongside senior city staff to align on a refreshed strategic plan, update budget priorities, and chart a new course for city leadership. The result was a cohesive set of strategic goals — Economic Investment, Public Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Housing, Infrastructure and Transportation, and Transparent and Accountable Government — that will guide city decisions and spending in the years ahead.

Election season is upon Commerce City again, and among the most important local races this year will be replacing term-limited Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio in the Adams County Commissioner District 4 seat. Two candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination in the primary election, which will be held on June 30: Karen DeAguero and Tyler Quick. There is one Republican running for the seat, Joseph Domenico, who is not facing a primary challenge.