Marietta, GA – January 16, 2025 – After carefully weighing the potential impacts on Cobb students, educators, and our county, the Cobb County School District is taking steps to opt out of Georgia House Bill 581, which would limit school funding and reduce the high quality of our schools. This choice aims to ensure our students continue to receive the same high-quality education Cobb families expect and deserve. Cobb joins districts across the state and metropolitan area in this decision. 

Why We're Protecting School Funding: 

• Property Values: The strength of our schools directly affects our community's appeal and your property values. Protecting school funding keeps our schools strong and supports both property values and community life. 
• Commitment to High-Quality Education: 94% of our budget goes directly into our classrooms, primarily supporting our teachers and your child’s classroom. Reducing school funding by an estimated $43 million dollars could force the District to cut teacher salaries, increase class sizes, or otherwise harm student learning. 
• Best Product, Lowest Cost: At a cost of roughly $11,000 per student, Cobb provides the best results in the metro, at the lowest cost to the taxpayer. Cobb's children deserve the same opportunities as their peers, who receive between $12,000-$18,000 per student. 

Superintendent Ragsdale Speaks to Impact, Commitment to Students and Community: 

“As everyone is most likely aware, each Georgia school district is currently facing a decision to make regarding HB 581. 

After talking with each board member, tonight I am announcing my recommendation for the Cobb County School District to protect funding for Cobb's students by OPTING OUT of HB 581. 

While each district across the state must decide what is in the best interest of their students, staff, and communities - Cobb is somewhat unique in this situation. The 62 and over exemption in Cobb provides an enormous benefit for Cobb citizens, and we recognize that benefit. However, to recommend any process that would most definitely result in the Cobb County School District losing funds, which would be used to educate Cobb children, would not be a responsible recommendation. 

We have one of the best School districts in the nation - academically, athletically, musically, and artistically. We are consistently recognized in each of these areas. Parents expect a high-quality education when sending their students to a Cobb school; that is exactly what we will continue to provide. 

As required by the HB 581 process, we will be conducting three public hearings, which will be posted and held according to the requirements of HB 581. Details will be posted on the District's web page following tonight's Board meeting. Following the public hearings, an agenda item will be placed on the February 13th Board meeting agenda to allow the Board to vote on the OPT OUT recommendation.” 

Our Commitment: 

• Open Communication: We are committed to transparency and discussing this decision openly. We encourage all stakeholders—parents, students, staff, and community members—to ask questions and share their thoughts at communications@cobbk12.org. This is one of the best ways to make sure your voice is heard on this important issue. 

Next Steps: 

• Staying Informed: We will continue to update the community throughout this process via our website, social media, and direct communications. 

By protecting funding for Cobb’s 105,000 students, we will preserve the world-class educational opportunities every student in Cobb County receives. 

INTENT TO OPT OUT OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION 

The Cobb County Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for the Cobb County School District. 

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this matter to be held at 514 Glover Street, Marietta, Georgia, in the Board Room on February 6, 2025, at 11:30 AM and on February 6, 2025, at 6:05 PM. 

Times and places of additional public hearings on this matter are at 514 Glover Street, Marietta, Georgia, in the Board Room on February 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM.