Denver Mayor  John Hickenlooper is endorsing two candidates in the city’s school board races – at-large candidate Mary Seawell and District 2, or southwest Denver, candidate Ismael Garcia.

In press releases, Hickenlooper praised Seawell’s commitment to public education, including stints teaching street law at North High School, organizing book drives to fill classroom libraries and developing an MBA in school leadership at the University of Denver.

The mayor cited Garcia’s commitment to DPS’ reform strategy, the Denver Plan, and his support of innovation. Garcia was a founding board member of the original West Denver Prep charter school on south Federal Boulevard.

Hickenlooper will not be endorsing a candidate in the third contested race, that of District 4 or northeast Denver. There, five candidates are vying to serve on the Denver Public Schools’ board of education.

“Voters have a hard choice to make in the District 4 race,” Hickenlooper said in a statement supplied by his communications director, Eric Brown. “Each candidate brings something a little different to the table. It didn’t feel right to single out one at the detriment of others who might be just as strong in the position.”

Hickenlooper, who has taken an active interest in the city’s schools, also endorsed board candidates in the 2007 election.

Seawell’s opponent for the at-large seat, Christopher Scott, has been endorsed by the Denver Classroom Teachers Association. Garcia’s opponent in District 2 is Andrea Merida, who also has union backing.

Click here to see Hickenlooper’s endorsement of Mary Seawell and here to see the mayor’s endorsement of Ismael Garcia.

For other endorsements in the DPS elections, including a story about the DCTA picks, check out the Ed News’ election info center.