A New Rule for School Budgets
Cherry Creek Schools Pushes for Stricter Vendor Payment Rules
Cherry Creek Schools is urging its board to tighten regulations on how it compensates outside companies. The initiative follows an investigation into Education Accelerated, the firm that helped launch the district’s teacher residency program.
Allegations
School officials claim the company may have overcharged or double‑billed for travel and other expenses. While Education Accelerated has submitted receipts and calendars to demonstrate its work, district lawyers argue the evidence is insufficient.Missing Documentation
A district attorney noted that the firm has yet to produce receipts for large reimbursements from 2023 to early 2024. The firm’s lawyer counters that it is following new record‑keeping rules that differ from earlier ones.Conflict of Interest
The probe also examines ties between Education Accelerated and former superintendent Christopher Smith and his wife, the district’s HR chief. Both signed off on contracts worth nearly $3 million, raising questions about potential influence from paid international travel.
Travel Expenses
Education Accelerated may have billed the district $57,520 for trips that routinely exceeded a $5,000 limit. The district wants receipts for all meals and travel from March to July 2024, totaling just under $15 000.Proposed Policy Changes
If the board approves, vendors would be barred from reimbursement for out‑of‑pocket items unless written in a contract. Alcohol, entertainment, personal expenses, upgrades, tolls, and parking would all be prohibited. Work-related travel would require written supervisor approval beforehand.Tense Emails
Emails reveal a strained relationship. The firm tried to halt the district’s contract termination in February. Its lawyer claims the HR chief told them receipts were no longer needed—a claim denied by the HR chief’s own lawyer.Unresolved Questions
The district remains uncertain about how much it still owes Education Accelerated and whether any alcohol was paid for by the company. Both sides say they are negotiating a fair resolution for taxpayers.
