Superintendent offers condolences, highlights recruitment and upcoming bonuses

Superintendent Ragsdale opened his remarks at the March 19 meeting with condolences for multiple recent losses in the district—students at Norton Park Elementary, Cooper Middle and Harrison High School, and two employees—calling the losses "hard to fathom." He urged sincerity from those who offer "thoughts and prayers": "If you're gonna say it, do it. Words matter," he said.

Ragsdale told the board that public comment leads to administrative follow-up when appropriate and defended the district’s processes for handling sensitive student and personnel matters. He praised district staff, singled out special-education staff and recognized a range of recent events and celebrations, including Read Across Cobb and volunteer and maintenance appreciation events.

On recruitment and workforce development, Ragsdale highlighted the district’s "Georgia's Best" initiative and a partnership with the University of West Georgia that the superintendent said yielded thousands of applications for recruitment events. He referenced expected state bonuses for employees, saying the administration would present details next month and would need the board to vote on an implementation plan before payouts in May.

Ragsdale also provided activity figures for student-support staff: "our social workers did, over 500 home visits, over 11,000 referrals, and made over 25,000 parent student contacts," he said, using the numbers to underscore district outreach and services. He closed by thanking staff and wishing the community a safe spring break and happy Easter.