For decades, the Cobb County School District has earned recognition for the handling and reporting of taxpayer funds. 

The Board congratulated the District’s Accounting Department for earning the 2023 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO International). Since 1984, these awards have recognized the district's excellence in professional accounting, commitment to transparency, and high-quality financial reporting, demonstrating how Cobb consistently adheres to best financial practices.  

“Cobb’s financial practices continue to set the standard in the industry. Our AAA credit ratings from 3 separate agencies and recognitions like this affirm Cobb’s dedication to serving students while protecting the taxpayers’ dollars,” said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn. 

The Board also recognized the Financial Division’s Financial Planning and Analysis Department for earning the 2024 Meritorious Budget Award from ASBO International. This award highlights excellence in professional financial planning and budgeting. Going on two decades, Cobb Schools has been recognized for creating effective and clear budget presentations, commitment to community transparency, and adherence to national standards for budget development and presentation. 

During the presentation of the Ed-SPLOST V Performance Audit, the Cobb Schools Board of Education and community members learned more about the district’s strategic and responsible financial practices.  

Only last month, the district's strategic financial management was further highlighted during the approval of the FY2025 budget.  

June’s Board meeting is the first meeting following the graduation of more 8,000 Cobb Schools graduates, and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale took the opportunity to stress the importance of celebrating each student. 

In one instance, a family’s expectations were not fully met. After listening to community concerns, and talking to school board members, Superintendent Ragsdale apologized directly to the student’s family.  

He then repeated his commitment to a graduation process, that has been in place at all 17 high schools, which gives every parent of a special needs student input into their child’s graduation. 

“For years, parents of special needs students across the county have been consulted by staff, to make sure their child’s unique needs are taken into account by staff who organize our graduations. The understanding and agreement between the school and the parents or guardians of the individual student will [now] be put in writing in advance of the ceremony and everyone will have a copy of it, ensuring there are no misunderstandings, and no employee is making a decision without the clear input of a parent or guardian of a student with an exceptionality,” Superintendent Ragsdale said.  

After discussions with Cobb Schools staff and steps to formalize the graduation process, Superintendent Ragsdale is confident the District is taking every step to ensure graduation is what it should be for every student: a celebration of the student’s and their family’s hard work and experience.