March 19, 2026 — At this month’s Cobb County School District Board of Education meeting, members recognized outstanding achievements across the District and highlighted the programs and experiences that continue to shape student success in Cobb Schools.
Investing in Educators: Recruitment and Retention in Cobb
During the meeting, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale emphasized that building the best team of educators is no accident. It reflects long-term planning and the Board’s continued commitment to prioritizing the most important part of any classroom: teachers.
He noted that 94% of the district’s budget is dedicated to instruction. Over the past 10 years, the district has increased starting teacher salaries in Cobb by nearly $20,000, bringing them to more than $60,000.
Superintendent Ragsdale also highlighted the success of the Georgia’s BEST program, which has benefited more than 1,250 educators and remains the district’s most effective recruitment and retention tool. Interest in the program remains strong, with nearly all eligible staff expressing interest during the most recent application window. Now in its third year, the program has contributed to a 54% increase in application activity, with 4,993 candidates from across the country applying to teach or lead in Cobb.
That interest was reflected in the district’s recent recruitment fair, which drew more than 1,800 educators from across the country. At a time when school districts nationwide face teacher shortages, the record-breaking attendance highlights the district’s continued investment in its employees and its reputation as a premier destination to teach and lead.
Bringing Stories to Life: Read Across Cobb
During the meeting, Board members and attendees viewed a special video highlighting one of Cobb Schools’ most beloved districtwide traditions: Read Across Cobb.
Read Across Cobb brings classrooms to life by inviting guest readers, educators, and community leaders to share their love of books with students across the District. The annual event transforms schools into hubs of imagination, where stories spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Board members, district leaders, and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale participated in this year’s celebration, visiting schools throughout Cobb to read to students and reinforce the importance of literacy.
A Day to Remember: The Dance
The Board also watched a moving video highlighting “The Dance,” a special event hosted by students at Kennesaw Mountain High School that brings together hundreds of students with special needs from across the District.
This year’s dance welcomed approximately 500 students for a celebration filled with music, friendship, and joy. Planned and supported by nearly 200 student volunteers, the event reflects weeks of preparation and a shared commitment to creating a meaningful experience for every guest. From decorations to dance partners, every detail is designed to ensure students feel welcomed, included, and celebrated.
Board Recognitions
This month, the Board of Education also recognized a wide range of student achievements and educator excellence, from state championship athletic performances to outstanding contributions in the arts, academics, and student support services.
Cobb County School District Arts Integration Certification – Tritt Elementary School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – Girls Overall State Champions – Lassiter High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Breaststroke Girls State Champion – Ashlyn Loftin, Lassiter High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – Boys Overall State Champions – Lassiter High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 50 Yard Freestyle Boys State Champion – Gavin Halusic, Lassiter High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Boys State Champions – Ethan Jones, Nick Nurnberg, Lincoln Holder, and Gavin Halusic, Lassiter High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Boys State Champions – Gavin Halusic, Alex O’Brien, Ethan Jones, and Raef Jollands, Lassiter High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Butterfly and Backstroke Boys State Champion – Isaiah Tucker, Kennesaw Mountain High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 6A Swim & Dive – 200 Yard Medley Relay Girls State Champions – Haley Huffstetler, Evelyn Jezerinac, Regan Burton, and Anjoli Mohanty, Harrison High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 6A Swim & Dive – 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Girls State Champions – Isabella Parrenas, Evelyn Jezerinac, Anjoli Mohanty, and Regan Burton, Harrison High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 6A Swim & Dive – 100 Yard Breaststroke Girls State Champion – Caroline Hughes, Wheeler High School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District School Social Worker of the Year – Bethany Miller, Austell Elementary School, Bryant Elementary School, Garrett Middle School, and Cobb Online Learning Academy
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District Elementary School Music Teacher of the Year – Nikki Peters, Powder Springs Elementary School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District Middle School Chorus Teacher of the Year and GMEA District XII Music Educator of the Year – Jay Champion, Lost Mountain Middle School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District High School Chorus Teacher of the Year – Emily Cannon, Allatoona High School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District High School Theatre Teacher of the Year – Traci Woody-Kemp, Allatoona High School
2025 – 2026 Georgia Chapter of the American String Teacher Association Teacher of the Year – Ashley Culley, Dodgen Middle School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District Elementary School Visual Arts Specialist of the Year – Michelle Yoo, Keheley Elementary School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District Middle School Visual Arts Specialist of the Year – Tracey MacJack, Barber Middle School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District High School Visual Arts Specialist of the Year – Karrie Arana, North Cobb High School
2025 – 2026 Georgia Art Education Association Youth Art Month Art Educator of the Year – Dr. Kathleen Petka, Walton High School
