Description

Students’ use of smartphones in schools is a huge topic. Is it a distraction? Can they be helpful in an educational setting? When should they be used and when should they be put away? 

On April 21, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education approved a new policy about the use of communication devices in schools. This was the culmination of nearly two years’ worth of district leaders’ examination of the challenges and benefits of smart phones and other high-tech devices being used by students during school hours. The policy adoption was also required by a new state law. 

In this episode, DCSD Chief of Staff Steve Colella and ThunderRidge High School Principal Liz Walhof discuss the issue, the policy, and most importantly, the practices of students, teachers, parents and district leaders when it comes to communication devices – not just phones. Colella co-led an effort to speak with hundreds of people across the district over the last several months, as well as conducting deep research into the issue surrounding communication device use and helping craft the new policy. Walhof has years of experience as an ed-tech expert and administrator. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the in-class challenges that technology poses.

To read the full policy, watch recent discussions at Board of Education meetings, and access the wide range of research, visit DCSD’s Digital Literacy webpage.

Resources:

• Digital Literacy webpage (includes new policy in full)
• Video of DCSD Board of Education discussion from April 21
• Presentation slides from April 21 BOE meeting (includes March 3 slides)
• Colorado Law regarding Communication Devices

Guests this episode: 

• Steve Colella, DCSD Chief of Staff
• Liz Walhof, ThunderRidge High School Principal 

Host: 

• Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications 

About DCSD

Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential.

• DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade).
• Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area).
• We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
• The Class of 2025 earned more than $113 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships.
• DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.

With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered. 

Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?