July 29, 2026 — Excitement and optimism filled the room as educators and staff from across the Cobb County School District gathered for the annual District Kickoff, officially marking the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.
The event welcomed employees back and set the tone for the year ahead with a celebration of the District's accomplishments, recognition of outstanding educators, and a clear focus on the work to come.
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Across Cobb, schools also celebrated the return of teachers with special events that highlighted the community's appreciation for the people preparing classrooms and campuses for students.
Inspiring Teachers Through Leadership
Cobb Schools Teacher of the Year Amanda Dillard from Pope High School inspired attendees by sharing her journey as an educator and encouraging colleagues to recognize the impact they have on students each day. Dillard reflected on the experiences that shaped her career and reminded educators that their dedication creates opportunities for every student who walks through a Cobb classroom.
Superintendent Chris Ragsdale challenged employees to remain focused on the district's vision: "a school district of excellence where all students succeed."
Throughout his remarks, the superintendent emphasized that every decision should support student success. He also reinforced the District’s commitment to making Cobb the best place to teach, lead, and learn. He encouraged staff to continue simplifying the foundation for teaching and learning, using data to guide decisions, and maintaining a balanced focus on the success of every student rather than concentrating on only one group or subject area.
Safety Remains the District's Top Priority
The superintendent reaffirmed that student and staff safety remains the district's highest priority.
"We don't just say it—we live it." He highlighted the district's continued investment in school security, including $35 million annually.
More than 48,000 people were screened during the 2025-2026 school year through the District's K-9 program. During the 2026-2027 school year, every Cobb high school will have its own Vapor Wake dog. The important role the Vapor Wake teams played in securing the recent historic presidential visit to Cobb schools demonstrates the District's commitment to maintaining safe learning environments for students, staff, and visitors.
Superintendent Ragsdale also highlighted the District's strong financial stewardship and employee-centered budget priorities. He noted that the Board of Education approved extending employee bonuses to additional staff members beyond those covered by state funding, reinforcing the District's commitment to recognizing the people who make student success possible.
Looking ahead, he pointed to continued Ed-SPLOST investments and the opening of the second Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy at Allatoona, which will expand career-focused learning opportunities for students.
Community Partners Welcome Teachers Back
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The excitement of the new school year extended beyond the District Kickoff as community partners joined schools in celebrating educators across Cobb. At Kell High School, teachers and staff received a special surprise visit from WSB-TV anchors Lori Wilson and Mike Shields. The pair stopped by to thank educators and support staff for their work preparing for the return of students. The visit served as a reminder that the community recognizes and values the dedication of Cobb educators long before the first day of school.
The Osborne High School community also kicked off the year by celebrating a remarkable accomplishment beyond the classroom. The Osborne Cluster—including Osborne High School, Floyd Middle School, Fair Oaks Elementary School, LaBelle Elementary School, Hollydale Elementary School, Milford Elementary School, Russell Elementary School, Birney Elementary School, and Smitha Middle School—was recognized for raising more than $25,000 for the American Heart Association during the past school year. The celebration builds on Cobb Schools' longstanding partnership with the American Heart Association, an effort that has helped establish the district as a national leader in supporting heart health education and lifesaving initiatives. During the 2025-2026 school year, the Cobb County School District became the first in the nation to raise $1 million for the American Heart Association.
Ready for a Successful School Year
As the countdown to the first day of school continues, the District Kickoff served as both a celebration of the people who make Cobb Schools exceptional and a reminder of the shared goal that unites every employee. From inspiring leadership and continued investments in safety to community partnerships and service initiatives, the message was clear: Every employee plays a role in ensuring Cobb remains a school district of excellence where all students succeed.
