During a recent Cobb County government meeting, community members voiced their concerns and support regarding the local education system and proposed budget changes.

Cammy Sanchez, a long-time resident and retired educator, expressed gratitude towards Superintendent Ragsdale for maintaining a focus on curriculum and instruction, steering clear of controversial topics. She emphasized the importance of providing a stable educational environment for all children, particularly those from less stable home situations, and urged the board to continue prioritizing character development and respect in schools.

Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, acknowledged the challenging decisions faced by the board regarding the 2024-2025 budget and the proposed millage rate. He highlighted the necessity of protecting the general fund balance to ensure the well-being of the 108,000 students and 19,000 employees in the district. Hubbard called for support of the proposed $1 million fund balance request, stressing that the long-term financial health of the education system is paramount.

Conversely, John Lively raised concerns about a potential property tax millage increase, advocating for transparency in budget disclosures before any decisions are made. He requested detailed information on past and proposed budgets, tax revenues from the increase, and justifications for the tax hike, emphasizing the importance of transparency in government operations.

Janet Peters shared her personal experience with a significant property tax increase, which prompted her to appeal her tax bill. She urged the board to base taxes on actual average home values rather than projected future values, arguing that taxpayers should not be penalized based on speculative assessments.

The meeting concluded with Sean Martin, a resident of Smyrna, who also contributed to the discussion, although his comments were not detailed in the transcript. The diverse perspectives shared during the meeting reflect the community's engagement with local governance and the critical issues surrounding education funding and property taxes in Cobb County.