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Board hears data showing retention, vacancies drop after Cobb's 'Georgia's Best' investment
Summary
Board heard university partners and district leaders describe Georgia's Best program outcomes: hundreds of Cobb educators trained, a cited 75% reduction in day-one vacancies since 2023, tuition savings estimates and statewide interest in scaling the partnership.
District and university leaders told the board that a district-funded partnership known as "Georgia's Best" is producing measurable returns in recruitment, retention and classroom practice.
"530 Cobb educators are already graduates of the Georgia best program," Mr. Floresta said, describing cohorts across degree levels and a partnership with the University of West Georgia that customizes curriculum for Cobb's needs. He said another 720 are currently enrolled and the district is seeing strong retention among graduates.
Dean Dishman said the program produced not only recruitment benefits but research and leadership development: "You're getting a double return on the investment, both the original intent and, and improvement school improvement ultimately," he told the board. Presenters cited a 75% reduction in teacher vacancies on the first day of school since the program began in 2023 and estimated about $2 million in teacher-retention savings to date.
Board members asked operational questions on program admissions, cohort selection and program expansion. Mr. Scammerhorn sought detail on how degree programs are chosen; Mr. Floresta and the dean said program offerings are driven by district-identified needs and a joint selection process with the university. The university handles admissions and the district handles interest-gathering and prioritization.
Officials also described downstream benefits: program capstone projects have produced school improvement studies intended to inform local practice, and some graduates have been hired as adjunct instructors to expand capacity.
What happens next: staff said they will continue to provide program updates and metrics; presenters said they are seeking state-level partnerships to scale the model but will not replace local funding.
