September 18, 2025- At the September Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale addressed recent national events and the reaction of a small number of Cobb educators whose social media comments prompted community concern. 

The Superintendent began by recognizing the tragedy of another school shooting last week, when Charlie Kirk was murdered on a university campus in front of his wife and children. Following the tragedy, a small number of individuals—unfortunately, including Cobb educators—celebrated the act on social media. 

Parents and community members expressed concern about whether their children are safe in Cobb classes after learning what the educators had said. Superintendent Ragsdale's answer was clear. 

"Emphatically – yes. This is not how the vast majority of Cobb team members act. Good educators do – and MUST – abhor school shootings," Superintendent Ragsdale said. 

In his remarks, Superintendent Ragsdale praised the courage educators consistently demonstrate in the most horrific circumstances, citing the story of an educator and Holocaust survivor who saved 22 of his Virginia Tech students in 2007 by blocking a shooter from entering his classroom. 

"In school shootings and other tragedies, teachers and other school staff repeatedly demonstrate their selfless dedication. They are heroes in school shooting events. They should never – ever – be the cheerleaders for a school shooter," Superintendent Ragsdale said. 

The Superintendent reminded the community that this issue is not political, but moral: 

"It is not a question of Democrats vs Republicans or one's religious views or beliefs. It is entirely a question of good vs evil. It is outright evil to celebrate or agree with the murder of an innocent person on a school campus." 

Superintendent Ragsdale's closing remarks left no room for misinterpretation of where the district stands. 

"You either support school shooters or you are against them – regardless of who their victim is. In Cobb County, we are against them. And we will not be moved," Superintendent Ragsdale declared. 

Watch Superintendent Ragsdale's full remarks from the September Board meeting: 

The September Board meeting also reflected on how schools across Cobb paused earlier this month to honor and remember the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Students, teachers, and staff gathered for ceremonies and lessons of remembrance, reinforcing the importance of unity and service. 

Board Recognitions 

2025 Georgia Nurse Administrator of The Year – Melanie Bales, Assistant Director, School Nurse Administrator, Student Support Department 

2025 National Procurement Institute Achievement of Excellence in Procurement – Procurement Services Department, Business Services Division