Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Chris Smith has resigned and will retire from the district following a television investigation into allegations made by district employees about a “toxic” work environment, according to a statement from the district’s Board of Education.
The board accepted Smith’s resignation during an executive session Tuesday night. His resignation is effective Friday. Smith submitted a formal resignation letter and announced his retirement today.
The announcement comes after a series of Denver7 TV news ran reports stating that “dozens” of insiders described a lack of avenues for employee complaints because Smith and the district’s chief human resources officer, Brenda Smith, are married.
Neither Smith nor board members addressed the allegations publicly.
School Board President Anne Egan in a statement thanked Smith for his leadership of the 53,000-student district, citing accomplishments during his tenure that included the creation of Traverse, a mental health facility for students, voter approval of school construction bonds totaling more than $1 billion, and the launch of the Aspiring Educators Pathway.
Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Perry was named interim superintendent.
Board Vice Chair Angela Garland said the school board will begin the process of selecting a permanent superintendent at its Feb. 6 study session. She also said the district plans to review its conflict policy, contracts, travel policies and overall district culture, topics that were announced during a public study session.
In a separate statement, Smith said his decision to retire was guided by a focus on students and the district’s long-term strength.
“I am incredibly proud to have led a district that truly values every student and works every day to ensure opportunity, belonging, and excellence for all,” Smith said.
Smith said the district expanded “Pathways of Purpose,” launched programs including Leadership Academy and Traverse Academy, and invested more than $1 billion in schools and community projects during his tenure. He said he has confidence in the district’s future leadership.