AURORA | The Cherry Creek School District Board of Education approved what they termed as policy reforms and an external audit following the sudden resignation of Superintendent Christopher Smith and the placement of the district’s chief human resources officer, his wife, Brenda Smith, on administrative leave.
“This is a difficult and emotional moment for our district and our broader community,” Cherry Creek Board Director Angela Garland said during the board’s monthly meeting Monday at Sky Vista Middle School. “The departure of Superintendent Chris Smith and the placement of our human resources director on lead has stirred a wide range of emotions. For some, there is relief, perhaps even a sense of vindication. For others, there is grief, confusion and a real sense of loss. I have had conversations with people on both sides, and I want to be clear, both experiences are real and both deserve to be acknowledged.”
Board members unanimously approved the changes during its meeting Monday night. The changes come after an executive session last week.
The reforms include tightening procurement and spending approval policies, requiring legal department review and approval of all contracts and establishing clearer guidelines for district travel for the remainder of the school year, according to a statement from district spokesperson Ashley Verville.
The changes follow a turbulent period for the 53,000-student district. Smith unexpectedly resigned at the end of January, with the board accepting his resignation during an executive session. He announced his retirement the next day.
His resignation came amid media scrutiny stemming from a Denver 7 News investigation in which district employees described what they characterized as a toxic work environment. Sources for the 7 News report also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest because Smith and the district’s chief human resources officer are married.
District officials have said Smith’s resignation was unrelated to the television reports. Board members, however, said Monday night that scrutiny and changes are focused on the Smiths actions and performance.
“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,” Board President Anne Egan said. “Immediate action was necessary to maintain the public’s confidence. We look forward to continuing to listen and engage the community as we uphold our promise of being ‘Dedicated to Excellence’.”
Monday was the first time the school board spoke publicly about the controversy. Board members did not decline details about allegations against the Smiths, citing advice from attorneys to restrict comment because the issues are employee related. Each board member, however, at the beginning of the meeting acknowledged that there are a bevy of unspecified accusations against the Smiths, all stemming from the Channel 7 story and other media reports.
The board has frozen certain travel and new contracts and begun reviewing district policies related to nepotism and conflicts of interest.
Brenda Smith was placed on administrative leave effective Feb. 2, and the board said an internal investigation into her actions is underway.
Egan said the recent steps were prompted by concerns raised about decisions and actions involving both Christopher Smith and Brenda Smith. Eagan did not say where those concerns were coming from.
Failure to comply with the new contract review requirements could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, the board said.
“All five members of this board are committed to transparency with and accountability for our community,” Egan said in a statement earlier Monday.
One of the board’s newest members went further, saying he would ensure a vigorous and transparent investigation, citing some of the allegations from media reports.
“I want to be very clear that as long as I am on this board, any allegations of misogyny discrimination, racial bias, discrimination and the improper use of funds, particularly those described as long standing or systemic, will be taken seriously and investigated,” Board Director JC Futrell said Monday. “These issues are inexcusable. They are incompatible with public education, with ethical leadership and with the trust are community places they will not be tolerated moving forward and anyone participating in these acts, this is your notice.”
A timeline for the investigations was not laid out during the meeting.
Egan said the board has met in executive session more frequently than usual because of personnel matters requiring legal counsel, but expects to return to a more typical meeting schedule as those issues are resolved.
Interim Superintendent Jennifer Perry is also expected to announce that, at the board’s direction, she is initiating an external audit of district systems and structures Verville said in a statement. The audit will examine internal controls, operational processes and fiscal responsibilities, according to the board.
Smith was appointed superintendent in 2021 after more than a decade in the district, where he previously served as chief of staff and as an elementary school principal. Perry, who had been deputy superintendent, was named interim superintendent effective Feb. 2.
Board members did not provide details of a search process for a permanent superintendent.