From cell phones to security checkpoints, students and parents across Georgia will see big changes as the new school year begins. Districts are adjusting to new state laws, tightening security, opening new buildings—and, in some cases, banning phones altogether. Here’s what to expect this fall.

Statewide phone policy takes hold
Georgia’s new “Distraction-Free School Act” takes effect this year. It bans student use of phones during class unless a teacher gives permission. Each district must now come up with its own enforcement policy. Some are going much further.

Fulton County Schools
Middle and high school students must now lock their phones in magnetic Yondr pouches from the start to the end of the school day. The pouches stay with students, but the phones remain locked until dismissal. Evolv weapons detectors powered by AI will be in place at all high schools and some middle schools. The district is also opening a new high school: the Fulton Academy for Career and Exploration, which replaces McClarin High in College Park.

Cobb County Schools
All middle and high schools now have Evolv scanners installed. Eastvalley Elementary opens this fall in a brand-new building.

Gwinnett County Public Schools
Middle school students are no longer allowed to use phones during the school day—not even at lunch. Every high school is now equipped with AI-powered weapon detectors. Central Gwinnett High reopens after a full rebuild.

Cherokee County Schools
A new elementary school opens in the Hickory Flat area. Evolv weapons detectors are being added to all middle and high schools.

Clayton County Schools
New elementary school buildings are opening in Riverdale and Lovejoy, both built on the sites of the old campuses.

DeKalb County Schools
The district is unveiling the new Indian Creek Elementary and a fully rebuilt Cross Keys High School. Several other campuses are undergoing repairs and upgrades following complaints over building conditions.

Atlanta Public Schools
Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy moves into a new building this year. The school system is also planning renovations at several other schools across the district.

Other metro districts
Many other systems—including Coweta, Henry, Forsyth and Fayette—are investing in school security with new surveillance cameras, secured entrances and updated safety drills. Several are also adopting stricter phone policies, launching new STEM initiatives or adjusting school start times.

From cell phones to security checkpoints, students and parents across Georgia will see big changes as the new school year begins. Districts are adjusting to new state laws, tightening security, opening new buildings—and, in some cases, banning phones altogether. Here’s what to expect this fall.
B.T. Clark
Publisher at 

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.