The Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) met for its fifth meeting on March 10 to continue shaping recommendations for Denver Public Schools’ upcoming communication device policy. The committee heard presentations from district leaders in academics, technology, and safety to better understand how devices impact learning environments and student wellbeing.
Public Comment Highlights
District leaders emphasized that students already have access to all required learning materials through district-provided devices, meaning personal phones are not necessary for instruction. DPS maintains a 1:1 Chromebook program with more than 80,000 devices to ensure equitable access to digital tools, assessments, and curriculum across schools.
The meeting also explored how the district approaches digital citizenship and emerging technology like artificial intelligence, with the goal of helping students navigate digital spaces responsibly while ensuring technology supports, rather than replaces, human connection in the classroom.
Safety was another key focus. District safety leaders shared how personal phones can create challenges during emergencies, including spreading rumors, overwhelming emergency services, or distracting students from important safety instructions. They also discussed how district-managed devices allow for safety monitoring and intervention tools that are not available on personal devices. Committee members also discussed implementation challenges, equity considerations, and the importance of balancing technology access with opportunities for human connection and focused learning environments. The conversation highlighted that while technology plays an important role in education, student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction remains essential for learning and wellbeing.
Next Steps
The committee will continue refining recommendations in upcoming meetings and community sessions. Final recommendations from the council will be presented to the Board of Education on April 15th, with an anticipated vote on first reading on April 23rd, and with the goal of informing a districtwide communication device policy for DPS by the end of May. There will not be public comment during the next two CDAC meetings, but members of the DPS Board of Education are hosting community engagement events where you can share feedback:
- Monday, March 23 from 5:30-8pm in SE Denver with Director Kimberlee Sia at Slavens K-8 Schools (3000 S Clayton St.)
- Monday, April 6 from 5:30-8pm in Central Denver with Director Dr. DJ Torres at George Washington High School (655 S Monaco Pkwy)
- Monday, April 13 from 5:30-8pm in NW Denver with Director Marlene De La Rosa at North High School (2960 N Speer Blvd)
- Wednesday, April 29 from 5:30-8pm with Board President Xochitl Gaytan at Florence Crittenton High School (55 S Zuni St.)
We’ll continue to monitor CDAC’s progress and share updates as the conversation moves forward. As always, thank you for staying engaged in this important work for DPS students and families.
