2019 Beat Reporting (Medium Staff) Finalist: Melanie Asmar

“Coverage of Denver Public Schools”

About the Entry

Asmar’s coverage included in-depth reporting on a long-simmering teachers’ strike, analysis of the impact of pro-reform candidates winning control of a local school board, and an investigation into student discipline policies that critics say went too far.

Comments from the Judges

“This package of stories reflects a deep knowledge of education issues in Denver public schools. The stories are well-written, helping readers understand complex problems that date back years.”

“Melanie Asmar’s coverage of the Denver schools stands out for local beat reporting because she successfully merges analysis of dense policy issues, such as performance pay for teachers, with strong writing and storytelling about how decisions affect families on the ground.”