Yesterday at 6PM, Denver 7 aired the news piece “Employees, insiders speak of toxic culture within Cherry Creek School District.” 

In the piece, current and former employees of the Cherry Creek School District describe a toxic work culture that they say stems largely from the district’s leadership. The news piece especially revolves around the working relationship between Superintendent Chris Smith and his wife, Chief Human Resources Officer Brenda Smith. They claim this dynamic creates a conflict of interest that leaves staff with nowhere to safely report complaints without fear of retaliation. 

Our own Principal, Dr. Lisa Roberts, along with Gwen Hansen-Vigil, have written a 8 page letter of complaint against current district leadership- surrounding “unprofessional conduct, retaliation against employees and misallocation of budgetary items, including expenses and salaries.” For now, Dr. Roberts has declined Denver7’s proposed interviews. 

The Grandview Chronicle and GVTV are committed to presenting our community with important and relevant information. With further investigation and potential partnership with other school student journalism programs, we plan to post additional information about this situation.