AURORA | The Cherry Creek Board of Education’s first meeting of the 2013-14 year saw the introduction of a new superintendent and the resignation of the current board president.

Harry Bull made his first comments to the board as the district’s new superintendent during the first regular meeting of the school year held Aug. 12 at Eaglecrest High School. But before Bull spoke, Board President Jennifer Churchfield announced she’d cede her position as president to Jim O’Brien.

Churchfield, whose term is up in November, said she was stepping down at the beginning of the school year in order to make a smoother transition for incoming school board members.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as your board president,” Churchfield said. “This allows us for a smooth transition between the current board president and the new board president. I also believe very firmly that it makes sense for our community that we see the new board president and the superintendent start a tandem message at the beginning of the school year.”

Two of the seats on the board will be in contention in November; Board Vice President Randy Perlis has announced he will seek a second term.

Following Churchfield’s resignation, the current make-up of the board is as follows: Jim O’Brien is board president, Randy Perlis is board vice president, Claudine McDonald is secretary, David Willman is treasurer and Churchfield will serve as the assistant secretary treasurer for the remainder of her term.

Following the unanimous vote to accept the new positions, Bull offered his first formal words to the board. Bull, who succeeded outgoing superintendent Mary Chesley last month, made note of the 13,000 students who will report for classes at schools across the district.

He also made mention of transitional calendar schools in the district, noting that the B-track students started classes earlier this month. He also welcomed the new administrators and more than 300 new teachers who will be starting in Cherry Creek this year.

Reach reporter Adam Goldstein at 720-449-9707 or agoldstein@aurorasentinel.com