Cherry Creek Schools’ leadership investigation is focusing on nearly $3 million in contracts signed by former Superintendent Christopher Smith and his wife, Brenda Smith, with Education Accelerated. The investigation is also looking into allegations of excessive travel expenses billed to the district by the company. The school board is also concerned about the Smiths' relationship with the founder and chairman of Educationcelerated, David Palumbo. The contracts between the district and the firm were terminated in February due to "substantial concerns" with the company's performance. The company was hired to create a teacher residency program and had paid nearly $2 million as of Jan. 29.