March 20, 2025—At the March Board of Education meeting, Cobb County School District leaders celebrated the outstanding achievements of students who have excelled at the state and national levels. The Board recognized Cobb’s student-athletes for their championship performances in wrestling and swimming, highlighting the dedication and competitive excellence of Cobb students. This year, Cobb celebrated 16 swim and dive state champions, two individual state wrestling champions, and multiple relay teams that brought home top honors. These student-athletes demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, earning their place as the best in Georgia. 

In addition to student recognitions, the Board honored Cobb’s School Social Worker of the Year and celebrated one of Cobb’s Adult Learners for her continued success after graduation. As the national winner of the Adult Learner of the Year Award, Patria Brown proves that perseverance pays off. Last year, Ms. Brown was named 2024 Adult Education Student of the Year by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). 

Honoring Two Legendary Coaches

After celebrating Cobb’s student and educator achievements, Superintendent Ragsdale took a moment to recognize two of the best coaches in Georgia high school sports history. 

“Regarding the Campbell community, in the over three decades in education, I have rarely seen the amount of love and support for a coach, as I have from the Campbell community for both coaches McClure and Gwynn. If the number of former players, current students, fellow teachers, and family members who have supported you is any indication, coach McClure and Gwynn are remarkable coaches.

I am not on the court or in the classroom with either of these men, but I do know they deserve our gratitude and respect for all they've given to not only the Campbell and Cobb community for more than three decades but, as we have heard tonight to Wills, Nash as well.

When I learned of the way they were let go, I immediately and personally initiated a review of that decision. That review has now resulted in an investigation. 

To the extent I can, I will report on that investigation at its conclusion, along with any actions we will be taking. As a district, we hold ourselves to a higher standard than the way this was handled, and I look forward to bringing an update soon," Superintendent Ragsdale said.

Antisemitism will not be tolerated

Also, during the meeting, Superintendent Ragsdale emphasized the District’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all students and staff feel safe and respected, making it clear that antisemitism has no place in Cobb Schools.

“Earlier this evening, we heard many remarks regarding antisemitism. And while we cannot always discuss actions that have already been taken, rest assured we are taking action. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in any form. Period. I've told my story more than a few times about how my grandfather, who was captured during World War II [and] was held and tortured.

He lived with those scars for the rest of his life. And while I may not be Jewish, antisemitism has a resounding negative impact on me. So, I will reiterate my previous statements. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in any form," Superintendent Ragsdale said. 

Superintendent Reinforces Commitment to Safety

In addition to highlighting student and staff achievements, Superintendent Ragsdale reaffirmed the District’s commitment to safety and updated the community on ongoing safety measures. As part of the ongoing book review process, Superintendent Ragsdale informed the school community that Dead End by Jason Myers is the latest book to be removed. The book contains sexually explicit content not appropriate for students to access in school. 

Educational Sessions on Critical Safety Topics

Along with the book review update, Superintendent Ragsdale announced a new safety initiative that is being hosted by Cobb’s safety partner, The Servius Group. The organization will host a series of Educational Sessions focused on critical safety topics affecting Cobb students and schools. The first session, scheduled for the last week of April, will cover Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). This session aims to educate parents, staff, and community members about the risks, warning signs, and preventative measures related to CSEC and how Servius is helping. 

Board Recognitions

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 6A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Breaststroke Girls State Champion – Evelyn Jezerinac, Harrison High School

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 6A Traditional Wrestling Girls State Champion – Sandra DeSouza, Osborne High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 6A Traditional Wrestling Boys State Champion – Ronan An, North Cobb High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – Girls Overall State Champions – Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 50 Yard Freestyle Girls State Champion – Finnly Jollands, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Backstroke Girls State Champion – Finnly Jollands, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Butterfly Girls State Champion – Kate Bradley, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 500 Yard Freestyle Girls State Champion – Kate Bradley, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Freestyle Girls State Champion – Rose Jones, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Breaststroke Girls State Champion – Ashlyn Loftin, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 200 Yard Medley Relay Girls State Champions – Finnly Jollands, Kate Bradley, Ashlyn Loftin, Ashley Gal, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Girls State Champions – Rose Jones, Finnly Jollands, Kate Bradley, Maggie O’Shaughnessy, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 50 Yard Freestyle Boys State Champion – Gavin Halusic, Lassiter High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Backstroke Boys State Champion – Isaiah Tucker, Kennesaw Mountain High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Butterfly Boys State Champion – Isaiah Tucker, Kennesaw Mountain High School 

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 6A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Breaststroke Boys State Champion – Luke Watkins, Campbell High School

2024 – 2025 GHSA Class 6A Swim & Dive – 200 Yard Medley Relay Girls State Champions – Reagan Burton, Addie Rice, Evelyn Jezerinac, Anjoli Mohanty, Harrison High School

2024 – 2025 Coalition on Adult Basic Education Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year Award – Patria Brown, Adult Education Program – Accountability

2024 – 2025 Cobb County School District, School Social Worker of the Year – Kimberly Chinn, Lindley Middle School, and Pebblebrook High School