Schools discuss Mangino; APS bars press

Michael Mangino

AURORA | Aurora Public Schools officials barred the press Tuesday from a public meeting about a DARE officer arrested on charges he forced a 15-year-old runaway to take sexually explicit pictures of herself.

It appeared only a handful of parents and concerned residents attended the meeting about Aurora police Officer Michael Mangino, who was arrested on multiple felony charges Monday.

Mangino, who is on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the investigation, worked as a DARE officer at six local elementary schools, including four APS schools, one private school and one in Cherry Creek Schools.

APS Superintendent John Barry refused to talk to the press after Tuesday’s meeting at the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center — leaving through a side door and hustling to a nearby administration building without answering questions.

He issued a statement later that said: “We wanted an environment that was comfortable for parents and staff to ask questions and share concerns. We held this meeting with a preponderance of caution to ensure that anyone who had information about Officer Mangino would have the opportunity to share their thoughts freely.”

Mary Lewis, an APS school board member, said the decision to bar the press was Barry’s, not the school board’s. She ran from reporters to her SUV without discussing the matter further Tuesday.

Cherry Creek Schools, however, hosted a similar meeting Tuesday about Mangino and allowed the press to attend. Aurora Police Commander Jack DaLuz addressed about 12 parents and students at Eastridge Elementary School, the only Cherry Creek school where Mangino worked as a DARE officer. DaLuz, who was joined by district staff and Eastridge teachers, encouraged parents to call the department with any additional information about the case. He said the charges against Mangino, who many considered an “icon” in the department, came as a shock to the entire police force.

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