Nearly a year ago, in March 2020, Cobb Schools closed its school buildings as the first line of defense against the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Little did anyone know at that time that those buildings would not re-open again during the 2019-2020 school year. 

A lot of work happened behind the scenes all around the District during the intervening time between March and September of 2020 to ensure that Cobb Schools could re-open safely for the 2020-2021 school year. A major focus during this time was on PPE: Personal Protection Equipment. 

Before 2020, PPE was not an acronym ever heard in everyday speech, but it quickly became known to all. Face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, protective barriers, fogging machines, antibacterial cleaners, and so many other virus protection items were included when discussions mentioned PPE. Cobb Schools staff, students, and parents were concerned about each one and wondered how the District would respond and acquire its own PPE. 

At a time when nearly everyone in the world was looking to stockpile protective equipment, Cobb had to explore every supply possibility to build its own stock. Masks, barriers, and even hand sanitizer disappeared from warehouse and store shelves faster than factories could replenish them. PPE was in short supply nationwide. 

Thanks to the diligence and persistence of Cobb Schools purchasing and acquisition experts, PPE was able to be secured and stored to help protect students and staff when schools began the re-opening process on October 5, 2020. 

PPE acquired by Cobb Schools included more than 750,000 face masks for children and staff. Twenty thousand gallons of hand sanitizer were purchased to keep hands germ-free. Protective shields, foggers, and multiple hand-sanitizing stations were purchased for every building. More than 63,000 student desk shields were installed. Other items such as clear face shields, thermometers, isolation gowns, and protective barriers for office spaces were also procured to be used in each school building. In addition, generous community partners from all over Cobb County donated equipment and funds to help in the effort.

With the pandemic still active and vaccinations slow to reach the at-large population, PPE is still in high demand. Rest assured that Cobb Schools has not relaxed its acquisition drive and will continue to build reserves of these critical items. Until COVID-19 is a memory, the Cobb County School District will do everything it can to keep staff and students safe while still providing the high-quality education that parents have come to expect.