Cherry Creek board signals audits, policy changes and interim leadership as nepotism allegations surface

President Egan told the audience the board had moved quickly after Superintendent Chris Smith’s Jan. 27 resignation and named Dr. Jennifer Perry interim superintendent that same day. Egan said the board placed Brenda Smith, director of human resources, on administrative leave effective Feb. 7 and that “an internal investigation is underway.”

Egan listed immediate governance steps the board has taken and will pursue: a resolution confirming Dr. Perry as interim superintendent, strengthened procurement and expenditure approval policies, mandatory legal review of contracts with disciplinary consequences for noncompliance, and finalized travel guidelines for the rest of the school year.

Director Garland, speaking earlier during board communications, framed the moment as “difficult and emotional” and emphasized due process: “As a public school district, we are bound by the same laws, protections, and due process requirements as any other workplace,” she said, urging the community to separate fact from fiction and commit to a fair process. Garland added, “Truth matters.”

Director Bates, the board’s treasurer, announced the district will conduct a special audit that will report to the audit committee and that audit reports will be discussed with the full board. Bates said the audit and other fiscal reviews are part of an effort to reduce central administration costs and to avoid using general-fund reserves to balance future budgets.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Perry introduced herself and said she would initiate an external audit, at the board’s direction, to review organizational systems, internal controls, operational processes and fiscal responsibilities. Perry, who has worked in Cherry Creek Schools for 25 years and served as deputy superintendent since 2021, said her priorities are academic excellence, transparency and restoring trust.

The board did not take a formal public vote during this portion of the meeting to remove or discipline any staff; President Egan and other board members repeatedly described personnel matters as subject to legal and privacy constraints and indicated some work would proceed in executive session. The board later approved its consent agenda by roll call before adjourning.

Next steps announced to the public included monthly budget updates through the June budget vote and the initiation of both internal and external reviews intended to address the concerns raised by parents, staff and community members.