Agenda Item
b. Enhancing Student Engagement: Implementing Yondr Cellphone Pouches In Schools (Not to exceed $400,000) ~ Updated 7.7.2024
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Darnell T. Logan, Director, Student Relations, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Yondr cellphone pouches to be implemented in 10 pilot schools for the 2024-25 school year (12,916 students plus 15% buffer for 14,853 students). This request is aligned to Strategic Goal Area 4, Culture and Climate for an amount not to exceed $400,000.
Why: In the age of digital distractions, managing cell phone usage in educational settings has become increasingly challenging. The rise of smartphone dependency among students can negatively impact their academic performance, social interactions, behavior, and mental health. To address these issues, DCSD would propose a pilot program to implement the Yondr cellphone pouch system in 10 schools (5 middle schools and 5 high schools) across the school district.
Details: Yondr cellphone pouches are innovative tools designed to create phone-free spaces, particularly in educational environments. These pouches securely lock cellphones away, allowing students to focus on their activities without the distractions and disruptions caused by mobile devices. The pouches are simple yet effective, using a secure locking mechanism that requires a designated unlocking base to access the phone again. This system has been successfully implemented in various schools across the country, showing positive results in reducing distractions, decreasing behavior concerns, improving academic performance, and fostering a better learning environment.
Financial impact: The total cost to implement the Yondr cellphone pouch program shall not exceed $400,000 and will be paid with funds from the Expendable Computer Equipment and Purchased Professional and Technical Services accounts.
Contact: Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-1918
Dr. Darnell T. Logan, Director, Student Relations, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-1811
Status: Approved by General Counsel.
Dekalb County School District
Memorandum of Agreement 2024-2025
6/7/2024
Izaak Castren
Account Executive
12503 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
izaak@overyondr.com
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1. Partners & start date
This document sets forth the mutual commitments of Dekalb County School
District (“District”) and Yondr, Inc. (“Yondr”) regarding creating phone-free
schools. The signature on this document indicates the District’s intention to
partner with Yondr beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.
2. Partnership Goals
It is agreed that the purpose of this partnership is to build a phone-free
environment at participating schools based on the Yondr program (“Yondr
Program”).
The Yondr Program is a complete phone-free solution for schools that includes
phone-free equipment, training and support, and policy consultation. Yondr
partners with districts and administrators to develop the most appropriate
policies and procedures to support a phone-free setting.
3. Yondr Commitments
3.1 Program Equipment
Each school, based on its enrollment size, is sent a set of equipment
ahead of launch. The descriptions below show the key features and
functionality.
STUDENT POUCH MEDICAL POUCH
Standard pouch design with Quick-access velcro pouch for
protective fabric and a simple medical exceptions.
button lock. • Velcro closure
• Durable neoprene fabric • Readily accessible
• Tamper-resistant lock • Durable fabric
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• Fits all phone sizes and
wearable tech
MAGNET BASE HANDHELD MAGNET
Custom magnet design to Easy-carry design for portable
unlock pouches. unlocking.
• Durable wooden base • Best for high-traffic areas
• Tabletop or wall mount and teacher-led learning
• Designed for Yondr pouches activities
• Compact, handheld size
• Designed for Yondr pouches
LOCKBOX STORAGE TOTE
A lockable wall-mounted box Stackable storage for
with a Yondr Magnet inside. end-of-year pouch collection.
• Weatherproof metal • Fits up to 75 pouches
• Tamper-proof design • Collapsible design
• Optional wall spacer • Durable fabric
(Not included standard;
available for purchase)
STORAGE HAMPER
Large containers for storage The products in this document are covered
of inventory and accessories. by one or more U.S. Patents, including U.S.
• Collapsible design
Patent Nos. 9,819,788 & 10,623,957.
• Fits three storage totes
• Durable fabric
3.2 Program Development and Implementation Support
The Yondr Program includes ongoing support from a US-based team of
program experts. Yondr’s Education Program Specialists (“EPS”) work
with each school individually to ensure a successful implementation
aligned with their needs and objectives. Yondr continues to provide
support and training thereafter, as long as a school participates in the
Yondr Program.
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Inaugural year services include:
Program Development
● Collaboration with district and school administrators on phone-free
policy development
● Assistance in creating Yondr Program procedures with supporting
templates
Implementation Training and Support
● Logistical walkthrough and implementation planning support,
including program onboarding survey and launch plan creation.
● Stakeholder communication training and materials, such as:
○ Parent letters, webinars, staff communications, and staff
presentations; available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese,
Bengali, Danish, and Swedish
● Development of leadership and staff training materials, support,
and professional development
● Support for school community networking and workshop events, as
needed
● On-site implementation planning session to enhance program
rollout with hands-on support and training
○ Live virtual pre-launch training
○ Continued coaching conversations and tailored
recommendations
Monitoring and Evaluation
● Development of metrics for assessing the program’s effectiveness
● Collection and analysis of data on policy compliance and impact on
school environment
● Regular reporting to the district, with recommendations for
improvement as needed
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Ongoing support services include:
● Yearly assessment and evaluation, impact analysis, and program
consultation
● Training for new leadership and staff members
● Webinar opportunities with industry experts
● Yondr community networking opportunities
● Educational materials for parents, teachers, and administrators
● Curriculum Resources (Launching Fall 2024)
4. district Commitments
4.1 reporting
District commits to providing all available data related to the following
areas for the current, prior, and future years following the Yondr Program
implementation to assess the impact of the conversion to phone-free
schools:
● Quantitative Data
■ Academic achievement
● Final course grades (aggregated/not student-specific)
● End of year state testing data
■ Number of behavioral issues (classroom disruptions, fights,
bullying, substance abuse, in-school/out-of-school
suspensions, academic integrity, etc.)
■ Attendance data
■ Average credits earned term over term (if applicable)
■ Any other relevant data
● Qualitative Data
■ Changes in student behavior
■ Changes in student engagement
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■ Changes in student socialization
■ Changes in overall student wellness and safety
■ Changes in the use of shared/common spaces (courtyards,
libraries, etc.)
■ Any other relevant data
4.2 Program and Implementation Support
To support successful implementations, District commits to partnering
with Yondr and ensuring that participating schools will conduct the
following:
● Pre-implementation:
○ Each school will designate personnel responsible for taking
an active role in coordinating the Yondr program (the “Yondr
School Team”). The Yondr School Team will be responsible
for:
■ Actively participating in the on-site implementation
planning session referenced above, which is anticipated
to be at least ½ a day
■ Completing an implementation planning form
■ Completing asynchronous Yondr training, such as a
reading manual or an LMS course
■ Working alongside the EPS team to develop
standardized phone-free policies and procedures
across all schools, such as:
● Procedures for first and second infractions
● Replacement fees for lost or intentionally
damaged pouches
■ Establishing a communication plan for all relevant
parties to inform them of new policies and procedures,
including:
● Incoming and returning students
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● Staff
● Parents
■ Working with EPS to complete a Yondr Program launch
plan incorporating all the above mentioned elements
■ Hosting a virtual co-facilitated Yondr Program staff
training session (approximately 30-45 min)
● Post-implementation:
○ Each school’s Yondr School Team leader and relevant team
members will actively participate in a virtual meeting with the
EPS team at least once a semester to discuss the following:
■ Review 2024 Semester1/Fall roll out
■ Identify areas of strength, as well as growth and
concern
○ District leads will actively participate in a virtual meeting with
the EPS team at least once a semester to:
■ Review 2024-2025 Yondr Policies/Procedures
■ Discuss possible incentives to recognize everyone’s
efforts in maintaining a phone-free school
■ Discuss plans for any Semester 2/Spring updates
○ Based on post-implementation meetings, refine processes as
needed, including establishing a monthly pouch check routine
if necessary.
● Post Inaugural Year:
○ District leads will actively participate in a virtual meeting with
the EPS team at least once a year to address:
■ Areas of strength, as well as growth and concern
○ District leads will respond to year-end surveys regarding the
impact of the Yondr Program
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5. Program Cost
Yondr’s pricing model is based on student headcount and includes phone-free
equipment, training, and support in a district or school’s inaugural year.
Post-launch pricing covers equipment replacement expenses and continued
virtual program support as needed.
Yondr is committed to ensuring that school partners maintain low student pouch
replacement costs, with a target of no more than 30% new pouches in
subsequent years. Low replacement costs signal student adherence to a
phone-free program. High replacement costs generally signal low staff
enforcement, poor administrative follow-up, or strong student opposition,
typically due to a lack of clearly defined expectations before launch.
The price per student reflected in this proposal is $25.50 and includes a 15%
district-wide discount for all schools for the contract term.
Quotes and pricing are negotiated terms between District and Yondr and,
therefore, are unique to every agreement. Except as otherwise provided by law,
District agrees to keep such information confidential and will not disclose it to
any third parties or attempt to use the confidential information to gain an
advantage over Yondr or any third parties in furtherance of District’s business or
the business of anyone else, whether or not a competitor of Yondr.
The estimates below reflect the price for a rollout for approximately 12,916
students. Additional equipment is available for purchase on an a la carte basis.
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Year 1 - Start-Up
Price per Discounted Discount Total Year 1 Total Year 1
Description Qty Unit Price (%) Price Savings
Yondr Pouches 12,916 $30 $25.50 15% $329,358 $58,122
Yondr Pouches
(year 1 buffer of 15%) 1,937 $30 $25.50 15% $49,393 $8,717
Medical Pouches* 130 $18 $15.30 - - $351
Magnet Bases* 215 $100 $85.00 - - $3,225
Hampers* 22 $80 $68.00 - - $264
Storage Totes* 65 $35 $29.75 - - $341
On-site implementation**
(based on 10 sites) 3 days $10,000 $8,500 - $8,500 $1,500
Shipping* n/a $11,477 $3,825 $3,825 -
Total Price Total Savings
Total Year 1 $391,076 $74,491
*Estimated based on standard ratios. Final quantities to be determined upon consultation with EPS partner.
**On-site implementation support cost does not include related travel expenses.
A La Carte Pricing
Equipment
Item Per unit price Discounted Price
Student Pouch $30.00 $25.50
Medical Pouch $18.00 $15.30
Magnet Base $100.00 $85.00
Handheld Magnet $100.00 $85.00
Lockbox $125.00 $106.25
Hamper $80.00 $68.00
Storage Tote $35.00 $29.75
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6. Billing details
Yondr invoices school/district partners for the total amount of a contract upon
shipment of equipment. Billings typically detail the products provided to
schools. Since services are included in the program and can vary based on
schools’ needs, those efforts are not outlined in our billing. Payment is due
within 30 days from receipt of the invoice.
7. termination
The District or Yondr may terminate this agreement for any reason upon written
notice to the other. No claim for damages that result from the termination of this
agreement will be made or allowed by either Yondr or the District. Yondr will be
entitled to payment for any supporting services completed pursuant to this
agreement before the termination date.
YONDR, INC. Dekalb County School District
By:__________________________________ By:_________________________________
Laura Gallant
Name:________________________________ Name:______________________________
CFO
Title:_________________________________ Title:_______________________________
06/07/2024
Date:_________________________________ Date:_______________________________
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