Kara Billings

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.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement recognizing the ancestral and unseated lands of several indigenous nations, including the Cheyenne, Arapjo, Ute, and Ochete Shakawi people. Board members provided communications highlighting several key district activities. One director noted the success of the STEAM AOA event and highlighted Highline Community Elementary School's 76.5% increase in STAR reading performance, emphasizing family literacy engagement. Another director shared experiences from the CASBY conference and participation in the CCIC plane rising ceremony, celebrating the work of aviation students. A discussion focused on the increasing enrollment of at-risk and special population students (like those with IEPs, growing 132% over 10 years) despite overall declining enrollment, noting that state funding levels have not kept pace with rising costs for these needs. Other topics included scholarship opportunities from the Denver Foundation and Excelsier Scholarship Fund, recognizing the resilience of Endeavor Academy graduates, acknowledging Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and providing resources for Mental Wellness Month, including Hazel Health online counseling.

The meeting began with a land acknowledgement recognizing the ancestral and unseated lands of various tribal nations. Key discussions centered on the departure of the Superintendent and the placement of the HR director on leave, with board members acknowledging the complex emotions surrounding these events and the commitment to proceeding with due process. Board comments addressed the transition, including thanks to the interim superintendent, Dr. Perry, and a commitment to do better moving forward. Financial matters were highlighted, with the Treasurer discussing a focus on fiscal responsibility, delivering a balanced budget for FY2027 without using general fund reserves, and noting initial efforts to reduce non-direct classroom costs. There was also mention of a forthcoming special audit. Positive achievements celebrated included achieving the highest graduation rate in district history at 92%, progress on STAR assessments, recognition of 53 volunteers, attendance at a literacy night, an honors choir performance, and the Cherry Creek Spelling Bee winner from Sky Vista. Board members also addressed student expression, recognizing students' constitutional rights regarding recent walkouts while ensuring safety. Ongoing commitment to equity, belonging, and educational excellence was emphasized.

This document presents the Budget, Bond & Innovation Recommendations for Cherry Creek School District, a strategic plan guiding the district's future direction through the 'Cherry Creek 2021 initiative'. Key strategic pillars include budget development to address underfunding and maintain educational quality, significant investment in career and innovation programs, a five-year facility plan for new construction and renovations, enhancements to safety and security, and diligent maintenance of community investments in infrastructure. The plan aims to inspire student achievement, prepare them for college and career success in 2021 and beyond, and ensure safe, supportive, and modern learning environments.