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District outlines layered support and early gains at three federally identified schools
Summary
Cobb County School District leaders described a multi-tiered improvement model for federally identified schools and reported measured gains at CityView, Brumby and Cobb Horizon, while board members pressed for attendance, transportation and staffing details ahead of future budget decisions.
At a Dec. 11 work session, Cobb County School District officials presented a progress report on federally identified schools and the district's layered support approach, saying targeted interventions and new monitoring tools are starting to show results.
"We have 3 federally identified schools: CityView Elementary, Brumby Elementary and Cobb Horizon," Dr. Melanda told the board, outlining a three-tier framework that pairs school strategic planning with transformational team support and district coaching. She said the district introduced district assessments for K–5 ELA and math, and for high-school algebra and biology, to create 4–6 week data cycles for more frequent monitoring.
The district described specific gains at each school. "Cobb Horizon had a 5-point increase in both four- and five-year graduation rates," Dr. Melanda said, and CityView recorded 7–10 point gains across multiple categories after implementing structured literacy blocks and small-group instruction.
Board members asked detailed operational questions about whether interventionists were retained, how student groups are defined for ATSI/TSI designations, and whether transportation and attendance challenges are limiting outcomes. Miss Sailor asked whether schools that saw improvement had kept interventionist positions after budget changes; Dr. Melanda said the positions were adjusted but the district retained core supports and used EIP and small-group models to maintain key practices.
Board member discussion also probed the state identification process. Dr. Melanda clarified that CSI/TSI/ATSI identifications follow the CCRPI-based state criteria and that the district is focused on demonstrating the exit criteria set by the state. She said federal planning funds (for example, approximately $140,000 to CityView this year) were used to hire academic coaches and add professional learning and monitoring time.
Superintendent Ragsdale and academic staff emphasized continuous progress monitoring and the iterative nature of school improvement work. The board asked for more accessible summaries of school plans; staff said each school's improvement plan is available on its website and that district leaders will continue to bring quarterly updates to the board.
What happens next: district staff said it will continue monthly progress checks with schools and return with quarterly and budget-year recommendations as data accumulate.
