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Cherry Creek Schools Missed Sign‑Language Duty for 11 Students
Cherry Creek School District 5, Colorado, Aurora, USAFriday, February 27, 2026
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The Colorado Department of Education has uncovered a serious gap in services for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing students at Cherry Creek Schools. Below is a concise overview of the situation, timeline, and corrective actions.
Key Facts
- Issue: 11 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) required sign‑language interpreters, but the school lacked sufficient staff.
- Initial Shortage: Only one interpreter on campus; a staffing agency’s contract expired in early August, leaving four positions vacant.
- Impact: Two students were unable to fully participate; others experienced behavioral and attendance problems.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October | Parent complaint filed. |
| August 6 | School notified parents of interpreter shortage. |
| Early August | Agency contract ended; four positions left vacant. |
| October 30 | First new interpreter hired. |
| November 12 | Full interpreter coverage achieved. |
| March 17 | Deadline for district to submit corrective action plan. |
Departmental Requirements
- Corrective Action Plan – Submit by March 17.
- Compensatory Lessons
- Minimum of 50 hours per student.
- Delivered via American Sign Language or an interpreter.
- Must enable interaction with peers.
District Response
Cherry Creek Schools’ spokesperson stated that this incident is isolated and the district is implementing measures to prevent future staffing gaps.
Actions
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