Two former board presidents urge a course correction for Cherry Creek schools

By Jennifer Churchfield and Aagje Barber | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

As former presidents of the Cherry Creek School Board, we have always believed that the success of our schools begins with a laser focus on students, academic excellence, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Today, we write with deep concern — and urgency — about the direction of the district and the need for a course correction. That’s why we are endorsing Amanda Thayer and Tatyana Sturm for the Cherry Creek School Board.

The Board of Education has taken its eye off the classroom. As a result, fewer than half of Cherry Creek students are proficient at grade level in core subjects — a staggering statistic for a district once considered a statewide leader in academic performance. This is unacceptable. (Source: Denver Post, Aug. 21, 2025)

While nearby districts like Boulder Valley have earned the state’s top accreditation rating, and Douglas County is rapidly improving student outcomes, Cherry Creek continues to lag behind. We have not returned to pre-COVID achievement levels — and in some areas, we are falling further behind.

At the same time, administrative staffing has grown by 16%, even as student enrollment has declined by 5%. These numbers reflect a troubling shift in priorities: more dollars going to bureaucracy, and fewer to classrooms where students learn and teachers teach. We cannot let this trend continue.

Adding to our concern, S&P Global Ratings lowered the district’s long-term rating to AA from AA+. The downgrade reflects their view of a material decline in the district’s available reserves and its elevated debt burden. According to the report, “We believe it is unlikely that the district will rebuild available reserves to levels commensurate with those of higher-rated peers given its recent budgetary imbalance and growing operational and capital needs.” Additionally, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed this rating with a revised negative outlook.

Amanda Thayer and Tatyana Sturm bring exactly the kind of leadership we need at this critical moment. They are fiscally responsible, student-focused, and committed to restoring academic excellence in Cherry Creek. They will partner with parents, engage our community, and prioritize putting money back into classrooms. This election is not just important — it’s urgent. If you care about the quality of our schools, we urge you to vote for Amanda Thayer and Tatyana Sturm. The future of our district, our children, and our community depends on a Board of Education dedicated to excellence.

Jennifer Churchfield served as president of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education from 2011 to 2013.

Aagje Barber served as president of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education from 2005 to 2011.

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.