Once again, the Cobb Schools budget for the new school year will prioritize students and staff. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced today that the Fiscal Year 2022 budget includes a 4-8.6% proposed raise for every non-temporary staff member in the Cobb County School District. 

If the Board approves the Superintendent’s proposed budget, Cobb staff members will not have to wonder how the budget impacts them. Every teacher, every custodian, every bus driver, every food service worker—every non-temporary staff member—will know they will see a significant raise this year. 

“I have the opportunity to recommend a budget to our Board which includes a 4 to 8.6% raise for Cobb’s Team. Not only does our Team need it financially but they need it for morale. We have a tremendous Team in this District and every Team member has gone above and beyond all year. We are not using any CARES funds to make this raise happen and, due to wise financial planning and forecasting, we are once again able to give our staff a significant raise, while also prioritizing students,” said Superintendent Ragsdale. 

This year’s proposed raise does not use funds from the CARES Act and is made by possible by Cobb’s low administrative costs of $177 per student which is less than other metro school districts by as much as $131 per student. The District’s sensible budgeting and financial management coupled with some of the lowest administrative costs in the state have enabled Cobb to keep taxes low and return-on-investment high. 

Like the historic 8-12.6% pay raise of 2019, the FY 2022 proposed raise is among the highest pay raises for K-12 educators in the metro Atlanta area this year. 

The Superintendent’s FY2022 budget proposal includes a full salary schedule step for eligible employees. Specific employee raises will be based on both specific roles and eligibility for step increases, but ALL non-temporary employees are budgeted to receive a 4-8.6% raise.  

The raise comes on the heels of the $1,000 bonus that Governor Kemp and State Superintendent Woods announced in January. Superintendent Ragsdale announced in April that the District would extend the bonus to all Cobb Team members. 

After reviewing the Superintendent’s proposed budget, the Cobb Schools Board of Education is scheduled to vote June 10. If the budget is approved, employees can expect the raise to take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. 

Employees with questions regarding compensation should contact the Cobb Schools Compensation Representative for their school or call 770-426-3342. 

In addition to the Superintendent’s budget announcement, Board members voted to approve five new principals and a director. 

Cobb Schools April Personnel Updates: 

• Brooks, Darkendra, Appointment to Principal, Murdock Elementary School from Assistant Principal, Sope Creek Elementary School effective June 1, 2021. 
• Dills, William Craig, Appointment to Principal, Birney Elementary School from Assistant Principal, Birney Elementary School effective July 1, 2021. 
• Howard, Monica, Reassignment to Principal, Still Elementary School from Principal, Birney Elementary School effective July 1, 2021.
• McNabb, Kelly, Appointment to Director, Student Assistance Programs, Academic Division from Supervisor, Positive School Culture Support effective June 1, 2021. 
• Polk, Dr. Hannah, Appointment to Principal, Hightower Trail Middle School from Assistant Principal, Simpson Middle School effective July 1, 2021.
• Spiva, Jill, Appointment to Principal, Addison Elementary School from Assistant Principal, Davis Elementary School effective June 1, 2021.