Cherry Creek School Board Enacts Reforms After Superintendent's Sudden Resignation

District to undergo external audit and tighten policies on procurement, contracts, and travel

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Cherry Creek School District Board of Education in Colorado has announced a series of policy reforms and an external audit following the sudden resignation of Superintendent Christopher Smith and the placement of his wife, Brenda Smith, the district's chief human resources officer, on administrative leave. The changes include tightening procurement and spending approval policies, requiring legal department review of all contracts, and establishing clearer guidelines for district travel.

Why it matters

The reforms come amid scrutiny over a perceived toxic work environment and potential conflicts of interest involving the Smiths. The board says immediate action was necessary to maintain public confidence in the 53,000-student district.

The details

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, and an internal investigation into her actions is underway. Failure to comply with the new contract review requirements could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

  • Superintendent Christopher Smith unexpectedly resigned at the end of January 2026.
  • Brenda Smith, the district's chief human resources officer, was placed on administrative leave effective February 2, 2026.
  • The board's policy reforms and external audit were announced on February 9, 2026.

The players

Cherry Creek School District Board of Education

The governing body of the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado, which oversees the 53,000-student district.

Christopher Smith

Former superintendent of the Cherry Creek School District, who unexpectedly resigned in January 2026.

Brenda Smith

Former chief human resources officer of the Cherry Creek School District, who was placed on administrative leave in February 2026.

Jennifer Perry

Interim superintendent of the Cherry Creek School District, appointed after Christopher Smith's resignation.

Anne Egan

President of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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'.”

— Anne Egan, Board President (sentinelcolorado.com)

“All five members of this board are committed to transparency with and accountability for our community.”

— Anne Egan, Board President (sentinelcolorado.com)

What’s next

Interim Superintendent Jennifer Perry is expected to announce an external audit of the district's systems and structures, examining internal controls, operational processes, and fiscal responsibilities.

The takeaway

The reforms enacted by the Cherry Creek School Board demonstrate their commitment to addressing concerns about the previous administration's actions and restoring public trust in the district. The external audit and tightened policies aim to improve transparency and accountability, ensuring the district's operations align with its mission of 'Dedicated to Excellence'.