Cherry Creek School District orders outside audit amid leadership shakeup

The district will also impose stricter contract approval rules following allegations of nepotism and a toxic work environment.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Amid heightened public scrutiny, the Cherry Creek School District will launch an independent audit of its internal controls and impose stricter contract approval rules, lowering the dollar threshold for board oversight and requiring additional executive and legal sign-offs on spending. The moves come after the abrupt resignation of former Superintendent Chris Smith and the placement of his wife, Brenda Smith, the district's chief human resources officer, on paid administrative leave.

Why it matters

The Cherry Creek School District, one of the largest and highest-performing districts in Colorado, is taking steps to address allegations of nepotism, discrimination, and a toxic work environment that have led to multiple federal civil rights investigations and a leadership shakeup. The independent audit and tighter financial controls aim to restore public trust and ensure proper oversight of the district's operations.

The details

The Cherry Creek School District board has taken several steps to address the recent upheaval, including initiating an audit to review internal controls, operational processes, and fiscal responsibilities. The board also established an Audit Process Committee to oversee the audit and make recommendations. Additionally, the district is mandating that the Legal Department review all contracts and creating new travel guidelines. Two weeks ago, the board placed a freeze on certain travel and new contracts to review policies related to nepotism and conflicts of interest.

  • On January 20, Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole submitted paperwork for a 110-day calendar work year, often a signal for post-retirement employment.
  • In 2022, The Denver Gazette reported that the district was under multiple federal civil rights investigations tied to allegations of sex- and race-based discrimination, retaliation and unequal treatment in pay, discipline and harassment complaints.
  • Four years ago, district officials were first warned of issues arising from nepotism.

The players

Cherry Creek School District

A large school district in Colorado that consistently ranks among the best in the state, with nearly 52,000 students.

Chris Smith

The former superintendent of the Cherry Creek School District who abruptly resigned amid allegations that he had created a toxic work environment with his wife, Brenda Smith.

Brenda Smith

The former chief human resources officer of the Cherry Creek School District who has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Tony Poole

The assistant superintendent of the Cherry Creek School District who has also been placed on administrative leave.

Jennifer Perry

The assistant superintendent who has been named interim superintendent of the Cherry Creek School District.

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What they’re saying

“Our community expects transparency and strong stewardship of public resources, and we are taking clear, decisive steps to deliver both.”

— Anne Egan, Board President (Denver Gazette)

“We are strengthening oversight, reinforcing our financial safeguards, and ensuring thoughtful leadership in service to students. Our focus remains the same: academic excellence and meaningful pathways for every student.”

— Anne Egan, Board President (Denver Gazette)

“I understand the frustration. We are listening. We are taking action.”

— Mike Hamrick, Director (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The Cherry Creek School District board was expected to begin its superintendent search this month, but has pushed it off until the end of summer. The selection process would then begin in the fall. Jennifer Perry's contract as interim superintendent has been extended through June 30, with the option to extend through the following school year.

The takeaway

The leadership shakeup and allegations of nepotism, discrimination, and a toxic work environment at the Cherry Creek School District have led to a comprehensive review of the district's internal controls and financial practices. The independent audit and stricter contract oversight aim to restore public trust and ensure the district is properly serving its students and community.