Andrew Gillen

The board meeting covered several operational and community topics. Key discussions included an update on bond projects and capital construction, the audit process for selecting an independent external firm, and the 2026-2027 preliminary budget review, which aims to avoid using reserve funds. The board also addressed the vacancy of the director district B seat following a resignation and extended the interim superintendent's contract. Additionally, the board recognized various student achievements in arts, athletics, and scholarships, and acknowledged the service of retiring staff members.

The board meeting included a land acknowledgement and discussions on various district topics. A special audit committee released a request for proposal for an internal controls audit with a proposed budget of $250,000. The board discussed the preparation of a balanced budget for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the meeting featured student and staff recognitions, including academic and athletic achievements, as well as updates on district programs such as Well Fest, the new Laredo Middle School construction, and the teacher degree apprenticeship program.

The board meeting included a land acknowledgement, various reports from board members, and financial updates. Key topics discussed were the successful 2024 capital bond program, with updates on various school construction and innovation campus projects, as well as an overview of the fiscal year 2027 budget planning. Additionally, the board recognized community contributions to foundations and programs, celebrated student achievements in extracurricular activities, and announced new guidance for public board comments regarding speaker registration and time limits.

The Cherry Creek School District's strategic direction is guided by its vision of 'Excellence for All, Excellence for the Future.' The plan identifies key focus areas including Health & Wellbeing, Literacy, and Disproportionality, underscoring the district's commitment to comprehensive student success, innovative educational opportunities, and continuous improvement across its community.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the ancestral and unseated lands of several tribal nations. Key discussion items included the approval of the agenda and minutes for the December 8th, 2025 meeting. Board members provided extensive communications reflecting on various district activities. Director Futrell highlighted community culture-building initiatives at Highline Community Elementary School and academic support programs at Prairie Middle School, and discussed the importance of transparency and culturally responsive engagement regarding proposed school boundary adjustments. Director Garland commended the student-run Veterans Day program at Horizon Community, noted discussions on affordability affecting middle-class families, and strongly refuted previous negative comments made by a former director regarding budget adoption procedures and quorum requirements, emphasizing the legal ramifications of budget failure. Director Hamrich shared experiences from attending numerous Veteran Week activities, the CCIC beam signing, and classes at the challenge school, and promoted Colorado Gives Day. Director Bates, in his first meeting, celebrated the Eagle Crest High School play selection for a state conference and discussed the diverse educational journeys of his children, emphasizing the need to meet learners where they are. Director Egan also recognized the CCIC expansion for career pathways and thanked staff for a clean annual audit, while also addressing inaccuracies regarding the 2024 budget adoption process and emphasizing duty of attendance. Celebrations included the Cherry Creek Bruins football team state championship, a student being named a 2025 United States Presidential Scholar, and performances by the Unified Theater Program and Eagle Crest High School.