The Cherry Creek Schools Board of Education is implementing significant policy changes and launching multiple investigations following the abrupt resignation of its superintendent and the subsequent administrative leave of his wife, the district's chief human resources officer. The board is taking steps to strengthen financial oversight and restore public confidence amid concerns over the former leadership's decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Former Superintendent Chris Smith resigned in late January, and his wife, Chief Human Resources Officer Brenda Smith, was placed on administrative leave.
- The Board of Education has frozen certain district travel and new contracts pending a review.
- New policies will mandate legal department review for all contracts and strengthen expenditure approval processes.
- An external audit of the district's organizational systems, internal controls, and fiscal responsibilities has been initiated.
- The board is also reviewing its policies related to nepotism and conflicts of interest.
Leadership Changes Prompt District-Wide Review
The series of events began in late January when Superintendent Chris Smith announced his resignation and retirement from the Cherry Creek School District. The board noted that Smith had obtained legal counsel in relation to his departure.
Shortly after the superintendent's announcement, his wife, Brenda Smith, who served as the chief human resources officer, was placed on administrative leave. The board confirmed that her leave is a "personnel matter" and that an internal investigation into her actions is currently underway. While specific details leading to these actions have not been fully disclosed, the board has directly linked its new policy initiatives to the conduct of the former officials.
A Timeline of Events
The leadership transition happened quickly, creating uncertainty within the school community. In late January, Chris Smith resigned as superintendent. Soon after, Brenda Smith was placed on administrative leave, triggering a cascade of board actions aimed at ensuring operational integrity.
New Policies Target Spending and Contracts
In response to the growing concerns, the Board of Education has moved decisively to tighten the district's operational and financial controls. Board President Anne Egan stated that the board is finalizing new guidelines for all district-related travel that will remain in effect through the end of the current school year.
Furthermore, the district is strengthening its procurement and expenditure approval policies. A significant change is the new mandate requiring that all district contracts be reviewed and approved by the legal department. The board has warned that failure to comply with this new protocol could result in disciplinary action, including possible termination of employment.
"The decision to review District policies and freeze certain travel and contracts is a result of concerns being raised about the decisions and actions of former Superintendent Smith and Brenda Smith," Egan said in a public statement. "Immediate action was necessary to maintain the public’s confidence."
This move is designed to create an extra layer of scrutiny and prevent unauthorized or questionable spending. The board is also re-examining existing policies concerning nepotism and conflicts of interest, which have come under the spotlight given the marital relationship between the two former top administrators.
External Audit to Ensure Accountability
To further bolster transparency, the board has appointed Jennifer Perry as the interim superintendent. One of her first major initiatives is to launch a comprehensive external audit of the district's operations.
This audit will be conducted by an independent third party and will focus on several key areas:
- Organizational systems and structures
- Internal financial controls
- Operational processes and efficiency
- Overall fiscal responsibilities and management
The goal of the audit is to identify any systemic weaknesses that may have allowed for the issues that prompted the leadership changes. The findings are expected to guide further policy adjustments and structural reforms within the district's administration.
Commitment to Transparency
The board has emphasized its commitment to open communication with the community. While legal constraints surrounding personnel matters necessitate some closed-door executive sessions, officials have pledged to share resolutions publicly as they are reached.
Restoring Community Trust
The board acknowledges the need to rebuild trust with parents, teachers, and taxpayers. The recent events have raised questions about governance and the responsible use of public funds in one of the state's prominent school districts.
"All five members of this board are committed to transparency with and accountability for our community," Egan affirmed. She explained that while some ongoing reviews require private legal counsel, the board intends to return to a more standard meeting schedule once these matters are resolved.
The community will see the board continue its public review of district policies and make necessary adjustments in the coming months. The focus remains on upholding the district's promise of being "Dedicated to Excellence" by ensuring its administrative and financial practices are beyond reproach.
As the internal investigation and external audit proceed, more details may emerge about the circumstances that led to the departure of two of the district's highest-ranking officials. For now, the district's new leadership is focused on implementing stronger guardrails to prevent similar issues in the future and ensure stability for its students and staff.
