May 14, 2026 – At this month’s Board of Education meeting, the Board unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, solidifying a $1.8 billion spending plan focused on high-quality classrooms and responsible financial stewardship.
Despite a challenging financial landscape, the approved 2027 budget protects classrooms, invests in educators, and maintains the district’s strong fiscal health.
“Cobb families want to know their schools are strong, safe, and prepared for the future,” said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn. “This budget reflects our shared commitment to providing the resources and opportunities students and staff need to succeed, while serving as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
Cobb County remains a debt-free district, and the ability to fully fund this year’s budget without impacting the classroom demonstrates a continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and the careful use of taxpayer dollars.
The budget also reflects Cobb’s priorities. With 94% of spending invested directly in people, the district continues to focus resources on teachers, school staff, and the employees who support students in classrooms, cafeterias, buses, and schools every day. The finalized budget also continues support for key district initiatives, including Cobb Shield, the district’s comprehensive school safety initiative to protect students, staff, and school communities across Cobb.
District leaders continue to plan not just for today, but for the future, helping ensure stability even during more difficult budget cycles. The district’s financial position is nationally recognized, backed by triple-A (Aaa/AAA) credit ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Kroll—the highest rating available for any government entity.
The FY2027 budget also includes:
- Step increases for eligible employees
- Expanded investment in Georgia’s BEST teacher retention initiative, increased from $1.5 million to $2 million annually.
- $3.5 million to add literacy coaches across Cobb schools.
Celebrating the Class of 2026
“As we move toward the end of the school year, we are looking forward to celebrating graduation season across Cobb County and nearly 8,800 graduates who are ready for their next chapter,” said Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. “This year’s seniors have earned more than $110 million in scholarship offers and have been accepted to colleges and universities in 45 states, every Ivy League institution, and all U.S. military academies.”
As the Superintendent noted, graduation highlights the many pathways to success available to students in Cobb Schools, with more than 150 students entering military service directly after graduation, while others are already ahead in their college journeys through dual enrollment and associate degree programs completed during high school. For families across Cobb, graduation season is a celebration not only of diplomas earned, but of futures already taking shape.
Board Recognitions
2025 – 2026 GHSA Traditional State Wrestling 6A Champion – Nathaniel Park, Walton High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Traditional State Wrestling 6A Champion – Jake Rheaume, Walton High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Literary State Solo Dramatic Champion – Isaiah White, Pope High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Literary State Quartet Champions – James Lake, Leo Shilling, Isaac Brittan, and Brody Byington, Pope High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 5A Literary State Trio Champions – Mia Climer, Stacy Maina, and Camryn Sperow, Kennesaw Mountain High School
2025 – 2026 GHSA Class 6A Literary State Trio Champions – Meghan Franklin, Emmaline Krogh, and Camilla Craig – Harrison High School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District Library Media Specialist of the Year – Sandra Davis, Smitha Middle School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District ESOL Teacher of the Year – Quenby Lopez, Kennesaw Mountain High School
2025 – 2026 Cobb County School District School Nurse of the Year – Samantha Stephens, Mabry Middle School
NFHS, National Federation of State High School Associations – Citation Award for the State of Georgia Winner – Don Baker, Athletics, Chief of Staff Office
