Residents link housing instability and apartment conditions to low graduation rates and eviction patterns

Speakers at the Oct. 28 public-comment period told commissioners that housing instability, poor apartment conditions and eviction patterns are contributing to low graduation rates in two local high-school clusters.

Monica Delancey, identifying herself with the Riverside Renters Association and as a District 4 resident, said two high-school clusters ' Osborne High School and Pebblebrook High School ' are reporting graduation rates below 80 percent and that both areas have many apartment complexes in poor repair. Delancey said residents report issues such as broken windows, mold, unclean common areas and unaddressed pool and pest problems. She described repeated eviction-docket patterns at the Cobb County Master Court, saying many on the Friday dockets are Black families and urging county leaders to investigate why those disparities persist.

Delancey and other speakers urged the county to hold corporate landlords accountable and to expand supports beyond short-term rental assistance so families can remain stably housed. She noted a recent community listening session about the housing crisis attended by a local state representative and county staff and urged continuing attention to eviction-court outcomes.

The board heard the concerns during public comment but did not take immediate action during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the comments and referenced existing county programs and partnerships; no vote or new funding commitment was announced on Oct. 28.

Speakers requested additional enforcement of habitability standards, stronger tenant protections, and a review of eviction-docket practices to address observed racial disparities.