April 23, 2026 —  At this month’s Board of Education meeting, Cobb County School District leaders reaffirmed a long-standing commitment: teachers come first. The Board approved the tentative $1.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 and amended the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to include the Governor’s $2,000 bonus for educators. The district extended this bonus to all non-temporary employees, ensuring it includes all teachers and principals. Despite a challenging financial landscape, the balanced 2027 budget protects classrooms, invests in educators, and maintains strong fiscal health. 

A Balanced Budget Built on Long-Term Planning

The 2027 budget reflects both discipline and foresight. Rising costs, including healthcare, retirement contributions (TRS), utilities, and salary step increases, have outpaced new revenue. To responsibly bridge that gap, the district is strategically using $6 million in reserves. 

This approach is not reactive: it’s the result of years of careful financial stewardship. 

"We understand what our families are feeling right now. As prices rise, families feel it at the kitchen table, and we feel it in our schools, too," said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn, "This budget reflects that reality and shows how we protect every taxpayer dollar, while prioritizing our teachers." 

Cobb remains a debt-free district, and the ability to fully fund this year’s budget without impacting classrooms demonstrates a long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility and wise use of taxpayer dollars. 

District leadership has consistently planned not just for today, but for the future, ensuring stability even in more difficult budget cycles. The district’s financial position is recognized nationally, with a triple-A (Aaa/AAA) credit rating from Moody’s, S&P, and Kroll, the highest rating available for any government entity. 

Standing Apart in the Region 

Unlike other metro districts, which have been forced to make deep cuts, we are able to protect our classrooms, which benefits every Cobb student and parent. 

• Atlanta Public Schools: cutting 135 positions and closing 16 schools 
• DeKalb County School District: closing 22 schools 
• Fulton County Schools: cutting 40 positions and reducing $25 million annually

In contrast, Cobb County School District has no teacher layoffs, protecting current employees and maintaining classroom stability for students and parents. The tentative budget also includes: 

• Step increases for eligible employees
• Expanded investment in Georgia’s BEST teacher retention initiative: Funding increased from $1,500,000 to $2 million annually. 
• Over 1,200 educators have benefited to date, with 150 more set to benefit from the largest investment a Georgia district has made in recruitment and retention.

More information about the budget is available on the district’s finance page.

Board Recognitions

2026 GHSA Boys Class 6A State Basketball Champions – Wheeler High School

2025 – 2026 GHSA Traditional State Wrestling 6A Champion – Demetrius Heywood, Hillgrove High School 

2025 – 2026 GHSA Traditional State Wrestling 6A Champion – Ronan An, North Cobb High School  

2025 – 2026 Health Occupations Students of America Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference – First Place Competition Clinical Laboratory Science – Selah Garrett, Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy

2025 – 2026 Health Occupations Students of America – Emergency Preparedness State Leadership Conference – First Place Competition Emergency Medical Technician – Jesufemi Ajiboye & Neveah Harris, Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy

2025 – 2026 Skills USA State Leadership Conference State Gold Award Winner for Career Path Showcase Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration – Ariela Vega, Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy

2025 – 2026 Skills USA State Leadership Conference State Gold Award Winner for Career Path Showcase, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair – Evelyn (Aaron) Carter, Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy

2025 – 2026 Skills USA State Leadership Conference State Gold Award Winner for Career Path Showcase, Automotive Service Technology – Nick Briere, Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy (not in attendance at board meeting).

Acknowledgment of Special Guests: 2025-2026 Aspiring Leaders Academy