Cherry Creek School District officials have taken action in response to the recent attempted kidnapping incident at Black Forest Hills Elementary School in Aurora. Principal Amanda Replogle has been replaced by an acting principal for the remainder of the school year. The district has not provided details on whether Replogle was fired or reassigned within the district.
The incident occurred on April 19 when 33-year-old Solomon Galligan, a registered sex offender, entered the school premises. Galligan allegedly attempted to kidnap a student during recess but fled when the students raised an alarm by shouting “stranger danger” and running away. He was later apprehended by Aurora police after a parent recognized him at a nearby Walgreens.
Cherry Creek School District officials have been conducting an investigation into the incident, which is now in its final stages. The findings of this investigation have led to the decision to make an administrative change at Black Forest Hills Elementary School. The district aims to ensure a positive and productive end to the school year.
In light of the incident, the district has implemented safety and protocol changes. Supervision protocols during recess have been reconfigured to improve line of sight, and students will be kept closer to the school premises, away from the property’s edge. Additional security measures, including increased police patrols, will be in place until the end of the school year. The school has also reinstated the “Watchdog Dads/Moms” group to provide additional support. This group consists of parental figures who volunteer on campus under the school’s administration.
