Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Christopher Smith is resigning his position in the wake of a news report about the “toxic culture” within the K-12 system.
Smith, who took the helm of the district in 2021, submitted his resignation during a closed meeting with the Cherry Creek Board of Education on Tuesday evening.
He gave the board a formal letter of resignation, effective Friday, and publicly announced his retirement Wednesday, the school board said in a news release.
“This decision is guided by what has always mattered most to me: students and the long-term strength of this district,” Smith said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud to have led a district that truly values every student and works every day to ensure opportunity, belonging and excellence for all.”
Smith’s resignation comes after Denver7 reported earlier this month on what the news station characterized as a “toxic culture” at the district. Cherry Creek employees alleged that the superintendent’s marriage to the district’s chief human resources officer, Brenda Smith, affected the work culture at the school district.
Cherry Creek’s Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Perry will serve as interim superintendent. The board will discuss during a Feb. 6 meeting the next steps for replacing the superintendent, according to the news release.
School board members will also review the district’s policies on conflicts of interest, contract review and travel, along with the district’s overall culture, during the Feb. 6 meeting, according to the news release.
Cherry Creek School District is the fourth-largest K-12 system in the state, with 51,844 students, according to state data.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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