FASD School Facility Search Update (Feb. 6, 2026)
Reminder: Independent parent group — not affiliated with or endorsed by FASD.
TL;DR
FASD is continuing a multi-year search for a larger facility to support long-term stability and growth. The Board shared that we submitted an application through Denver Public Schools' Facility Allocation Policy (FAP), then temporarily withdrew it to pursue a "different District process" they believe offers a better chance of success. The Board plans to monitor available facilities and respond to relevant Requests for Proposals (RFPs). The near-term reality: there's no published timeline yet and no guarantees. Until DPS releases building-specific details, communication will likely remain somewhat general.
Parent Analysis (Recap)
On February 6th, the Board sent a letter about our facility search. The headline: FASD submitted a FAP application to Denver Public Schools, then temporarily withdrew it to pursue "a different District process."
For many parents, this raised questions: What's a FAP? What's an RFP? Why pursue one path, then pivot to another?
FAP vs. RFP (As Described by the Board)
The Board's update included a helpful high-level explanation:
FAP (Facility Allocation Policy):
Runs on an annual cycle with an end-of-January deadline
Schools apply and DPS reviews applications using district criteria
RFP (Request for Proposals):
Typically tied to a specific building opportunity, can occur on different schedules
Proposals may include not only schools but also outside partners (like community organizations)
May be more closely aligned with DPS's Strategic Regional Analysis planning work
Why Did FASD Initially Pursue FAP?
The Board said they initially pursued the FAP path because of the annual deadline (January 30) and the potential for a more defined decision window, whereas RFP timelines can vary.
Why the Change?
The Board's message: they are adjusting their approach to maximize the likelihood of a successful facility partnership with DPS. In other words—not necessarily abandoning the goal, but adjusting the route based on how DPS is handling facility decisions.
Context: How DPS Facility Decisions Work
DPS has a formal Facility Allocation Policy that outlines how facility requests are evaluated and how recommendations advance to the DPS Board. (Source: DPS Facility Allocation Policy) The details can be complex and vary by situation, but the key point: long-term facility decisions ultimately rest with DPS leadership and the DPS Board.
Separately from FASD's specific situation, DPS leadership has been publicly discussing how vacant or underused buildings should be reused following recent school closures. Reporting on proposed DPS policy changes suggests a general "priority order" where district-run uses are considered before charter leasing. (Source: Chalkbeat reporting)
This may explain why some facility decisions are being handled through more public, building-specific processes like RFPs rather than the traditional FAP cycle.
What We Know (and Don't Know)
What We Know:
The Board views this as a multi-year facility search tied to long-term stability and growth
FASD submitted a FAP application and then temporarily withdrew it
The Board plans to monitor available facilities and respond to relevant RFPs
The timeline is uncertain and the outcome is not guaranteed
If no viable option emerges for 2026-27, FASD can continue operating at the current site while reconfiguring space
What We Don't Know:
When DPS will release any relevant RFPs
What criteria DPS will use to evaluate proposals
Who else might be competing for the same opportunities
When the DPS Board will vote on any decision
Whether FASD will ultimately be selected
The “Since You’re Here…” Section
Unofficial reflections — offered in good faith (and with a grain of salt)
I want to be explicit: the section above is my attempt to keep things factual and balanced. This section is my personal perspective.
I want to give the Board credit for communicating proactively. The February 6th update reflects an effort to keep families informed during a complex process.
That said, the update still leaves a gap: it communicates what is happening (withdrawing the FAP application and pursuing RFPs) but the why is mostly implied rather than explained.
Even if the Board can't share building-specific details, it would help to explain—at a high level—why the RFP path is believed to improve the odds, and what milestones they're watching for next (even if dates are still TBD). Understanding the "why" helps parents contextualize decisions and reduces anxiety.
What I hope from the Board: Continue the proactive communication. When possible, help families understand not just what is happening, but why. Context reduces anxiety. Transparency builds trust—even when the news is uncertain.
We're all rooting for FASD to secure a great long-term facility.
Questions or information to share? Email me at info@fasdads.org and I'll update this post as I learn more.
~ Greg
Related Resources
• FASD Board Facilities Update (February 6, 2026) [Class Dojo link]
