Earlier today, the Cobb County School District Board of Education continued to prioritize students and staff by approving the Fiscal Year 2022 budget recommended by Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. Thanks to their approval, every non-temporary staff in the District will receive a 4-8.6% raise. 

"The salary increase for every single non-temporary employee, of 4 to 8.6%, is a small way to say thank you to our entire Team, especially our teachers. You have heard me say it often; we have two types of employees: teachers and those who support those who teach. It has taken every single Team member to get through this year, and I could not be more proud of our Team," said Superintendent Ragsdale.  

Board Chair Randy Scamihorn also praised Cobb's staff and the District's financial planning. "We are grateful for the District's wise financial management that protects the Cobb taxpayer's dollar while providing a world-class education. It is important that our priorities are reflected in how we spend our money, and both student and staff are clearly priorities in this budget," said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn. 

This year's proposed raise does not use funds from the CARES Act. Instead, Cobb's low administrative costs and prioritization of people over programs make this raise possible. Cobb's administrative cost is as much as half the cost per student as other metro school districts. The District's sensible budgeting and financial management coupled with some of the lowest administrative costs in the state have enabled Cobb to keep taxes low and the return-on-investment high.  

All employees will receive a 4% raise, and the FY2022 budget includes a full salary schedule step for eligible employees. Specific employee raises will be based on both particular roles and eligibility for step increases, but again, ALL non-temporary employees are budgeted to receive a 4-8.6% raise.  

Employees can expect the raise to take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1st. 

The raise follows the $1,000 bonus that Governor Kemp and State Superintendent Woods announced in January. Superintendent Ragsdale announced in April that the District would extend the bonus to all Cobb Team members.  

Employees with questions regarding compensation should contact the Cobb Schools Compensation Representative for their school or call 770-426-3342.  

As part of Board business, Cobb's Board approved a resolution confirming that the District will continue to focus on helping each and every student in Cobb Schools succeed thanks to a high-quality education that aligns with the Georgia Standards of Excellence. 

"Making sure critical race theory and the 1619 project are not part of Cobb's schools is an important step to keep our staff's focus on teaching and learning. This resolution helps keep us focused on our mission which is about the success of our students, not re-writing history and the politics of adults," said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn. 

Last month, Superintendent Ragsdale issued a statement on Critical Race Theory, which made it clear that the staff in Cobb Schools will continue to focus on keeping Cobb's schools, schools.  

In addition to other business, the Board also appointed three new principals who will help students succeed in the upcoming school year. 

Personnel Change:  

• Daniel, Dr. Ansley, Reassignment to Principal, Lost Mountain Middle School from Principal, Simpson Middle School, effective July 1st, 2021. 
• Dugan, Alison, Principal, Baker Elementary School, resignation effective July 31st, 2021. 
• Jones, Jeffrey, Appointment to Principal, Baker Elementary School from Assistant Principal, Chalker Elementary School effective June 11th, 2021. 
• Mitchell, Dr. Mari LaEla, Appointment to Principal, Simpson Middle School from Assistant Principal, Hillgrove High School effective July 1st, 2021. 
• Nyeste, Dr. Lenora, Principal, Lost Mountain Middle School, retirement effective July 1st, 2021. 
• Williams, Dr. Lisa, Appointment to Director (.49), Leadership Management, Human Resources Division from Performance Management Coordinator (.49), Human Resources Division effective June 11th, 2021.