Memo Shows Weak Oversight and Lack of Accountability in Cherry Creek Schools

By Nicole C. Brambila | The Denver Gazette

To avoid a conflict of interest, the wife of Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Chris Smith — who resigned this week amid allegations of a toxic work environment — was supposed to report to Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Perry.

In the wake of Smith’s resignation Wednesday, Perry was named interim superintendent.

According to a Denver7 investigation, insiders said Smith and his wife, Chief Human Resource Officer Brenda Smith, had created a “toxic culture” — leaving employees with no recourse.

A one-page memo dated May 9, 2022 from then Board President Kelly Bates outlined the arrangement.

“In the event that the ability of either Christopher Smith or Brenda Smith to perform their professional duties, including in particular, the ability to make personnel decisions, is impacted by their relationship, I hereby direct the Superintendent to involve both the Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Perry, and General Counsel, Sonja S. McKenzie, in any such decisions,” Bates wrote.

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