Agenda Item
2. Disconnect to Reconnect Initiative Update ~ Updated 4.28.2026
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Disconnect to Reconnect:
Building and Sustaining a District-wide Culture of
Distraction-free Learning
Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief
Division of Wrap Around Services
1
PURPOSE
• Review initiative impact and
outcomes
• Address operational and financial
considerations
• Align with new state legislation
(HB 1009)
• Recommendation: Maintain and
scale initiative districtwide
2
THE PROBLEM
Why Disconnect to Reconnect was needed.
Student Social Device Instructional School
Distraction Media Use Time Climate
Increased student distraction Escalation of social media Classroom management Loss of instructional minutes Impact on student
during instructional time related conflicts challenges tied to device use across grade levels engagement and school
climate
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THE SOLUTION
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
• Phone-free instructional environments
• Structured procedures (pouches, lockers, routines)
• Policy-aligned enforcement
• Focus on prevention—not punishment
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OVERVIEW
PILOT & IMPLEMENTATION
• 2024–2025 pilot across 18 schools
• Middle, high, and elementary participation
• Implementation models tested -
Pouches and Locker-based
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
PARTICIPATION
Pouch Model
• Salem MS
• Henderson MS
• Sequoyah MS
• Lithonia MS
• Tucker MS
Locker Model
• Miller Grove MS
• Druid Hills MS
• Chapel Hill MS
• McNair MS
• Bethune MS
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HIGH SCHOOL
PARTICIPATION
Pouch Model
• Martin Luther King Jr. HS
• Lakeside HS
• Cross Keys HS
• Lithonia HS
• Tucker HS
Locker Model
• McNair HS
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ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
PARTICIPATION
Locker Model
• Flat Shoals ES
• Snapfinger ES
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WHAT WORKED
ACROSS ALL
SCHOOLS
Clear Expectations
Consistent Adult Enforcement
Administrative Visibility
Student Adaption Over Time
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KEY
OUTCOMES
17
17 percent decrease in combined OSS and ISS
1,289
1,289 fewer discipline removals compared to prior
year.
Improvement
Improved student retention, instructional access, &
school climate.
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INSTRUTIONAL IMPACT
FEWER INCREASED REDUCED
Fewer classroom disruptions Increased instructional time on Reduced teacher stress related to
task device management
11
SCHOOL CLIMATE
IMPACT
• Decrease in cyberbullying incidents
• Reduction in social media driven conflicts
• Less inappropriate content sharing during school
hours
• Improved peer interactions
12
DISCIPLINE &
EQUITY IMPACT
• Reduced exclusionary discipline
• Increased classroom access
• More equitable outcomes
13
• Teachers: “More focused classrooms”
• Admin: “Easier enforcement”
• Students: “Less pressure and
distraction”
14
WALKTHROUGH
DATA:
What We See
Now
• Strong adult implementation
• Clear Expectations
• Improved learning environments
15
Areas for Growth
• Student Consistency - especially high school
• Device use during transitions
• Need for standardized signage
16
The High School
REALITY
• Less consistent enforcement
• Increased student independence
challenges
• Leadership alignment needed
17
CULTURE AND
CLIMATE IMPACT
Safer learning environments
Increased sense of belonging
Improved emotional safety
18
NEW:
Georgia House
Bill 1009
• Expands “bell-to-bell” phone ban to all
public high schools
• Effective 2026–2027 school year
• Includes phones, smartwatches,
headphones
• Goal: improve focus & reduce bullying
19
WHAT THIS
MEANS FOR OUR
DISTRICT
• High schools must comply
• Systems must scale now
• Enforcement—not solely equipment—
is required
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IMPORTANT
CLARIFICATION:
THE LAW
• Requires restriction of access
• Does NOT require lockers or
specific products
• Policy + enforcement = compliance
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THE LOCKER INVESTMENT
REALITY
• $1.6M previously approved
(middle schools only)
• Total estimated cost: $4.6M
• Funding no longer available
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Operational Challenges
LOCKERS
• High cost
• Facility limitations
• Hallway congestion
• Ongoing maintenance
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PROVEN ALTERNATIVE:
WHAT ALREADY WORKS
• Low-cost procedures
• Policy-based enforcement
• Strong results already
demonstrated
24
EQUITY &
SUSTAINABILITY
• Avoid partial implementation
• Ensure consistency across all schools
• Maintain fiscal responsibility
25
STRATEGIC
ALIGNMENT
Culture & Climate
Instructional Excellence
PBIS Tier I
Equity in Discipline
26
LESSONS LEARNED
• Consistency is key
• Leadership drives success
• Flexibility by school level matters
27
PATH FORWARD
• Strengthen high school implementation
• Standardize expectations and visuals
• Continue walkthrough monitoring
• Prepare for HB 1009 full compliance
28
RECOMMENDATION
Maintain Discontinue Scale
Disconnect Locker Current
to Expansion Model
Reconnect District-wide
29
THE BOTTOM
LINE
• Proven results
• Aligned with law
• Cost-effective
• Scalable and sustainable
30
CLOSING
• Commitment to focused • Responsible use of • Preparing for the
learning environments resources future
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