cherry creek school district

The Cherry Creek School Board today announced the termination of Brenda Smith, the district’s chief human resource officer. She’s the wife of former Superintendent Chris Smith, who abruptly resigned in January during his annual review. Brenda Smith’s termination marks the latest upheaval for a district that has faced months of leadership turmoil and controversy. “In…

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a response from former board member Terry Bates, which was received after publication. Cherry Creek School Board Member Terry Bates resigned after making “racialized remarks,” the district announced Friday. District officials did not disclose what the remarks were. “When a member’s actions fall short of board…

Cherry Creek School District taxpayers will pay Assistant Superintendent Anthony Poole more than $190,000 to retire at the end of the school year, according to the school district’s separation agreement. Obtained under the Colorado Open Records Act, the agreement stipulates that the Cherry Creek School District will pay him a lump sum of $187,925 under…

Former Cherry Creek School District Superintendent Chris Smith must repay one month’s salary for failing to provide the board of education with three-month’s notice of his resignation, The Denver Gazette has learned. The board of education has not waived the requirement, Abbe Smith, a district spokesperson, said in an email. The spokesperson declined to say…

The Cherry Creek School District will pay nearly $165,000 to former Superintendent Chris Smith following his resignation last month amid allegations of a toxic workplace. The board of education announced last week that the district is contractually obligated to pay Smith $119,857.87 in unused sick leave and $44,070 in vacation leave. He abruptly resigned in…