Residents press Cherry Creek board for accountability, allege nepotism and safety lapses
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Summary
More than two dozen commenters urged the board to pursue independent audits, remove insiders and improve transparency, alleging long-standing nepotism, retaliation and safety problems; speakers included paraeducators celebrating union recognition and parents and staff recounting safety and special-education concerns.
During public comment the board heard repeated allegations of nepotism, demands for independent HR and financial audits, requests for greater transparency, and appeals about student safety and special education services.
Speakers who identified themselves by name cited specific concerns. Tatiana Sturm (public commenter) said she was “very frustrated” and described resignations, investigations and nepotism highlighted in local reporting; Molly Lamar urged breaking political ties and repeated calls to end a “closed loop” of insiders. Several speakers named district employees and asserted hiring or contracting irregularities; Craig Clark said those practices “must end.”
Paraeducator leaders addressed the board: Bridal Nelson, vice president of the Paraeducator Association of Cherry Creek (PAC), and Megan Cannon, PAC president, thanked the board for formally recognizing the union and said stable contracts could reduce turnover among paraprofessionals who support students daily.
Rhonda Carter, a recently retired bus driver, described safety concerns about bus supervision and student scanning procedures, saying drivers and students were put at risk and urging enforcement of the Tyler tablet scanning process so the district knows who is on buses.
Caroline Clark, a current high school senior, described harassment she said she experienced from a coach and said reporting earlier did not prompt prompt action; she urged accountability and student voice to be taken seriously. Rachel Raven Wetzel, a special education teacher of 26 years, asked the board to review the costs and outcomes of out-of-district placements and to consider reopening or repurposing local programs (Juliet Learning Center and Traverse) to better serve students.
Many public commentators called for independent, line-item reviews of district spending and for timelines and transparency about the status of investigations. Multiple commenters said paid administrative leave for high-level staff did not equal accountability.
The board thanked speakers and later approved the consent agenda by roll call before adjourning. The board did not announce a public timeline for the completion of the internal investigation during the meeting.