Back in 1970, local author, historian and Denver native Phil Goodstein had his first written work published. It was a letter to the editor in “Newsweek.”

“That inspired me to keep going,” said Goodstein, whose works often delve into local questions.

Today, roughly 30 books later, Goodstein has completed the third part of a trilogy, “The History of Denver Public Schools.”

“You can’t avoid schools,” Goodstein said. “They take in a crucial part of the society.”

Yet, what exactly is a school, Goodstein asked. Are they job training centers? Do they serve as babysitters? Are they penal institutions?

“Nobody has the certain answer,” Goodstein said.

Goodstein’s trilogy looks at about 160 years of DPS. Each is a separate volume and includes many illustrations. It is not necessary to read them in order.

The first book, “The Denver School Book,” which came out in 2019, looks at the origins of the school district and spans the following century – 1859 to 1967.

Published in 2020, the second book, “The Denver School Bussing Wars,” examines 1967 to 1995 and the district’s effort to desegregate schools through bussing.

The third book was published in September last year and is called “Schools for a New Century. From 1995 to 2020, it explores the rise of charter schools, school choice and the preschool program.

DPS reflects the values of Denver, Goodstein said.

And, he added, “they’re a focal point for education across the state.”

Q&A with Phil Goodstein

What inspired you to write about Denver Public Schools for the trilogy?

The schools are part of the community. Indeed, they are forced on the population. Schemers and dreamers have focused on them in trying to shape society. They are constantly in the news. But nobody had done a retrospection on exactly what Denver Public Schools is, its achievements, and why it is always at the center of controversy.

Filling this void is the main objective of “The History of Denver Public Schools.”

Goading from people who have been active in the schools as board members, concerned parents and volunteers helped push me to write the volumes.

What do you hope people get out of reading any one or all three of “The History of Denver Public Schools” books?

Ideally, by reading the books, people will grasp the obvious: there are no magical education cures. As part of the community, schools reflect the values, the hopes and the limitations of those with power and individuals valiantly trying to survive in a sometimes insane society. By grasping what the schools are and where they have been, people can work to shape them to blossom as places nurturing self-learning, critical thought, and commitment to nourishing people over profits and property.

Where to get the book

The History of Denver Public Schools trilogy — “Denver School Book,” “The School Busing Wars” and “Schools for a New Century” — are available at many local bookstores. Among them are Capitol Hill Books, the Broadway Book Mall, West Side books and Tattered Cover.

What’s next?

The next book Goodstein is working on will explore cemetery history in the metro area, including the people who lay to rest in them. It is expected to be published in late 2023 or early 2024.