GRANBY - A top school official has been charged with allowing graduating seniors to drink beer and hard liquor at a party he hosted in June.

Mark Bujanovich, president of the East Grand School Board in Granby, was served with a summons Aug. 6 charging him with six counts of providing alcohol to minors.

The party took place June 2 on Vagabond Ranch, a property that Bujanovich manages in the high country about 25 miles north of Granby.

"The rumors have been rampant in terms of what took place or didn't take place," said Robb Rankin, superintendent for the East Grand School District. "I just hope the public lets the facts speak for themselves."

Bujanovich, who did not return messages seeking comment, hosted the party for classmates of his eldest son, who graduated last year from Middle Park High School.

"He created a very controlled environment out there," Rankin said. "From what I understand, they were allowed to enter until 11 p.m., and then the gates were closed. Parents approved that (their kids) would be there and would be spending the night."

Rankin said he believed that Bujanovich was charged because the teens consumed alcohol they brought to the party. Several Granby residents said Wednesday that they're willing to see how the charges are resolved in court. However, they are distressed by the allegation.

They contend that regardless of the outcome of the criminal matter, Bujanovich should have known that as a school board president, the community would hold him to a higher standard.

"It's very disappointing," said Ken Anderson, owner of the Alpine West Office Supply store. "Someone in his position should have known better."

Bujanovich is known as someone who has given selflessly to the community through the school board, athletic programs, and recreation opportunities.

Anderson said, "He's done a lot of things for the community, but when he does something like this, people are going to remember it rather than all the good things he has done."

At Spirits-N-Things Liquors, owner Gary Jahn said he was disappointed by the charges.

"We don't know what the outcome is going to be, but I'm not happy about it," he said.

As a liquor store owner, Jahn said, he is used to having to be careful not to sell alcohol to underage drinkers. He said the sheriff's department tests his store about twice a year with undercover, underage shoppers trying to buy liquor.

Jahn said the school district works hard at educating kids about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

"For a member of the school board to do something counterproductive to that is ridiculous."

Grand County Sheriff Rod Johnson said his office got wind of the party June 14. "This is a small community, and you can't keep it a secret, especially when it's a person of that stature. It gets around pretty fast," he said.

Johnson said he knew of only one mishap that resulted from the teenage drinking.

"One of the kids was doing a back flip over a fire and broke his leg," he said.

Rankin praised Bujanovich's service on the school board.

"Mark Bujanovich has been an outstanding board member for the district," Rankin said. "This alleged behavior was not done in his capacity as a board member. I think the community needs to see this through the process until a resolution is reached."

Bujanovich, who also sits on the board of trustees for the town of Granby, is due back in court Sept. 10.