Tharyn Mulberry

To the Aspen and Snowmass Communities,

On behalf of the Aspen School District Board of Education and Superintendent Tharyn Mulberry, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Aspen and Snowmass communities for your overwhelming support in passing our recent ballot initiatives. Your vote of confidence is a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to providing an exceptional education for every student in our district.

The passage of these measures ensures that we can continue to attract and retain outstanding teachers and staff, maintain high-quality academic and extracurricular programs, and sustain critical operations that make the Aspen School District a leader in public education. This investment directly supports our children, our schools, and the future of our community.

We recognize the deep trust that comes with your support, and we want to assure you that we will endeavor to be responsible stewards of every dollar entrusted to us. Fiscal accountability and transparency will remain top priorities as we implement these resources to strengthen our schools.

These initiatives will serve Aspen’s children for many years to come—creating opportunities, supporting innovation, and continuing the proud tradition of educational excellence that defines our valley.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our educators, and for ensuring that Aspen and Snowmass remain places where children thrive.


Warm regards,


Tharyn Mulberry Superintendent

tmulberry@aspenk12.net

A note about cell phone use & school policies
cell phone free

Dear ASD Team and Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful summer break and are looking forward to the new school year.

As we prepare for the new academic year, I want to address an important change we are making regarding students’ use of cellphones in the Aspen School District, particularly at the high school. Starting this year, we will be implementing a cell phone-free policy on all of our campuses.

This decision was not made lightly. Over the past year, our teachers and staff have expressed growing concerns about the impact of cell phone use on our students' learning environment. We conducted surveys, hosted a Town Hall meeting, and gathered feedback from teachers, parents, and students. We also reviewed current research and best practices from other schools that have implemented similar policies. After careful consideration, we believe that this change is essential for several reasons.

1. Enhanced Focus and Learning:
Cell phones can be a significant distraction in the classroom. By removing them, we aim to create an environment where students can fully engage with their lessons, participate in discussions, and concentrate on their studies without the constant interruption of notifications. This increased focus will lead to better academic performance and a deeper understanding of the material.

2. Improved Social Interactions: We want to foster a school culture where students connect with each other face-to-face, building stronger relationships and social skills. Without the barrier of screens, students will have more opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, collaborate on projects, and support each other.

3. Mental Health and Well-being: Research has shown that excessive cell phone use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people. By limiting access to smartphones during the school day, we hope to reduce these negative effects and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for our students.

We understand that cell phones can be a useful tool for communication and learning. However, the potential gains from reducing their presence during school hours far outweigh the drawbacks. Students will still be able to use their devices before and after school, ensuring they can stay connected with family and friends.

Please take a moment to review the attached note from AHS Principal Sarah Strassburger, which provides more details about the new policy and its implementation. AES families and teachers, please see information about the  “Wait Until 8th” campaign.

We are excited about the positive impact this change will have on our school community. I am confident that this policy will help us create a more focused, connected, and supportive learning environment for all our students.

Thank you for your understanding and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely, Tharyn Mulberry Superintendent

AES Cell Phone/Smart Watch/EarBud Policy

AMS Cell Phone/Smart Watch/EarBud Policy

*AHS letter * and  AHS policy