East Cobb Schools

More details: Walton HS 50th anniversary celebration

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Walton SAT scores

Last weekend we mentioned the 50th anniversary celebration for Walton High School that’s coming up on Saturday, and reached out to the Cobb County School District, which is putting on the event, for more details.

Here’s what they’ve sent out this morning:

Walton High School is celebrating a remarkable milestone—50 years of Raider pride, tradition, and achievement. Since opening its doors in the fall of 1975, Walton has grown into one of the top public high schools in Georgia and has earned a national reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and student success. 

The community is invited to commemorate this golden anniversary on Saturday, April 19th, with a special open house and festival on campus from 1:00–4:00 p.m. 

 Location: Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062 

 Date: Friday, April 19, 2025 

 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A Festival of Raider Pride

The anniversary celebration will be an engaging and family-friendly event that reflects the school’s dynamic community spirit. Sports teams, student organizations, and academic groups will host booths outside the school, offering informational displays, student projects, and activities for kids. Whether you’re a longtime Raider, a new Raider, or a future Raider, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Guests will also have a chance to explore some of the most innovative areas of Walton’s campus, including: 

  • The state-of-the-art gymnasium 
  • The cutting-edge sports medicine facility 
  • The high-tech robotics annex 
  • The school’s modern theater 

Walton Through the Years: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Inside the Information Center, visitors can step back in time to see “Walton Through the Years.” This retrospective includes a collection of Walton yearbooks, a video montage of memorable moments, and memorabilia spanning five decades of Raider tradition and excellence. 

Continuous Music and Delicious Bites

While guests explore Walton’s past and present, the celebration continues with live musical performances inside the Theater throughout the event. Outside, food and snack options will be available, giving visitors a chance to grab a bite while strolling down memory lane or learning about the impressive opportunities available to Walton students. 

A Legacy of Excellence

Since opening its doors in the fall of 1975, Walton High School has grown into one of the most recognized and high-performing schools in Georgia and the nation. Known for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and successful extracurricular programs, Walton continues to be a model of student achievement and community involvement. You can explore more of Walton’s accomplishments here. 

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East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commission

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East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commissionScott Sweeney, a former member of the Cobb Board of Education who lives in East Cobb, has been appointed to the Georgia Charter Schools Commission.

Sweeney most recently was the chairman of the Georgia Board of Education. He was appointed in February to the GCSC by Gov. Brian Kemp and will serve a four-year term.

The Georgia Charter Schools Commission approves and oversees charter schools in the state of Georgia, including through policy-making and renewal activities.

There are 111 charter schools in Georgia, with 78 authorized by local school districts and 33 directly by the GCSC.

The GCSC is an agency of Georgia state government and operates with an appointed body of seven members. Sweeney is one of three members appointed by Kemp, and the others are appointed by the lieutenant governor, and Speaker of the House.

Sweeney, whose sons attended schools in the Walton High School cluster, served on the Cobb school board for two terms, from 2011-2018.

He was defeated in a bid for a third term, then served on the state board of education from 2018-2024, including the last two years as chairman, and also as chairman of the board’s charter schools committee.

Upon his appointment to the GCSC, Sweeney said that he was “thankful for all who were able to join me for my swearing in ceremony and immensely grateful for having served on the State Board, and now with the SCSC. I’m Looking forward to continuing service for students, families, teachers, and leaders.”

Sweeney is a senior business advisor for InPrime Legal, a law firm based in East Cobb that provides legal services for businesses.

East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commission
Sweeney and Kemp with State Rep. Sharon Cooper of East Cobb (L) and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp.

East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commission

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Cobb County School District police chief dies

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Ron Storey, who has been the Cobb County School District Department’s police chief since 2013, has died.Cobb County School District police chief dies

The department announced the news on a social media posting Thursday, but provided no details, saying “Chief Storey was an exceptional leader and individual, who cherished his family and work family.”

The Cobb school district did not disclose a cause of death in response to a message for information from East Cobb News.

A district spokeswoman sent the following response Thursday night:

“Our hearts are saddened by the passing of Cobb Schools Chief of Police Ron Storey, whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on our schools and community.

“Chief Storey dedicated his life to protecting others, serving in law enforcement for nearly 40 years and leading school safety efforts in Cobb for over a decade. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to safety made a difference in the lives of countless students, staff, and families.

“We are grateful for his years of service and devotion to keeping our schools safe. His legacy will endure, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

 

The district’s police department has around 80 staffers and sworn officers, many of them assigned to schools as resource officers.

Storey, who was 72, joined Cobb schools in 2013 after serving as a Cobb Police officer and administrator since 1986. He was a graduate of Osborne High School and his children graduated from McEachern High School.

Storey was a former master sergeant in the Georgia Air National Guard and after serving as a patrol officer with Cobb Police, worked his way up to deputy chief.

The Cobb school district did not indicate if a successor has been named. According to the department’s leadership information, the second-in-command is Capt. Wayne Pickett, who like Storey also came from Cobb Police.

Storey’s death comes as the Cobb school district is undertaking a variety of safety initiatives in the wake of a deadly shooting last year at Apalachee High School.

In October the district hired a private security firm with former intelligence and military officials to provide what it calls proactive solutions to address not only potential active-shooter situations but also gang activity, cyberviolence and other safety threats.

Two canine detection teams also will be employed, with another security firm training CCSD officers to work with the dogs who can identify “person-worn or concealed-carried explosives and firearms.”

And in 2022, the district began a policy of hiring non-police professionals to help provide security at schools over the protests from some in the public.

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Lassiter, Walton, Wheeler students named Georgia Scholars

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Ten students from high schools in East Cobb are among the 145 chosen across the state as Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced Tuesday.Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Scholars East Cobb

According to the Georgia Department of Education, “Georgia Scholars carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, performed excellently in all courses, successfully participated in interscholastic events within their schools and communities, and assumed leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.

(Click here to view the full program criteria.)

Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.

The local students include the following:

  • Lassiter: Elizabeth George, Andrea Joya, Sophia Joya
  • Walton: Vishruth Tallam, Rahaf Vaid, Shalein Valvani, Owen Wu, Edward Yao
  • Wheeler: Marissa Loncar, Leanne Vuong

Students from Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb high schools also are among the honorees,

“Congratulations to the 145 outstanding students honored as Georgia Scholars this year” Woods said in a statement. “This prestigious recognition identifies students who go above and beyond in all aspects of life – both within the school walls and in the community. I wish them great success in their futures and can’t wait to see the impact they make on our state, nation, and world.”

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East Cobb students, parents, denounce anti-Semitic incidents

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Some recent anti-Semitic incidents at schools in East Cobb turned out students and parents Thursday night at the Cobb Board of Education meeting.

East Cobb students, parents, denounce anti-Semitic incidents
“Right now Cobb County is failing its students,” Dickerson MS parent Mindy Melnikowski said.

During an evening public comment period, they urged the Cobb County School District to take stronger action to curb what they say aren’t isolated incidents, but becoming too frequent.

Recently swastikas were discovered drawn on walls at Dickerson Middle School and Wheeler High School.

In addition, Samantha Epstein, a Wheeler freshman, told school board members that a teacher in one of her classes showed slides she thought were anti-Israeli and pro-Palestinian.

Days later, in the same AP Human Geography class, she said, a slide of a cartoon of an Israeli soldier with a broom sweeping up Palestinian bodies was described as ethnic cleansing.

“I’m the only Jewish student in the class, I immediately felt uncomfortable,” said Epstein, who added that she and her older siblings, who have attended Wheeler and Campbell High School, also have been exposed to other instances of anti-Semitism at school.

That included an incident at East Cobb Middle School, when her sister was in eighth grade there, and who saw other students wearing swastika armbands giving a Nazi salute that were posted to social media.

Epstein said when she was at ECMS last year, she saw a teacher post a pro-Palestinian sign after the Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens that triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“We want to feel safe in our schools and know that even though our religious beliefs are different, we are treated fairly and equally,” she said.

The district has said that the graphics used in Epstein’s class have been removed from the curriculum.

Dickerson parent Mindy Melnikowski said she complained in the fall of 2023 that her then-seventh-grade son was taught “historical inaccuracies and anti-Semitic tropes using unapproved resources embedded deep in CTLS [the district’s main online curriculum portal] to appear legitimate.”

“Despite months of urging school officials to correct the damage, no action was taken,” Melknikowski said. “Last week, the consequences were clear. Swastikas on the walls and students giving Nazi salutes.

“This should not come as a surprise. When teachers spread misinformation unchecked, hate follows.”

Wheeler student Abdul Aziz Abasa, a student in the same class as Epstein, said the incidents at Dickerson and Wheeler “are completely different” and that “we want everyone to get a diverse amount of information” even about such highly-charged topics.

He said that the graphic in his class  depicting Israeli soldiers included individuals from a variety of ethnic groups, and that teachers should have some “leeway” in exposing students to a variety of viewpoints

“We should be open to media that is critical of other military groups, and to censor media infringes on our First Amendment right,” Abasa said.

Leona Blumberg, who has twins who have attended Dickerson and Mt. Bethel Elementary School, said her son was told at the latter school by another student that “Hitler didn’t do enough or “Hitler should have wiped out the rest of your family.

“Most of my family was wiped out by Hitler.”

She said the most distressing issue has been a lack of response from the school or school district to Jewish parents.

Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale addressed the comments later in the meeting, saying the district was “taking action” but didn’t elaborate.

He said  that while “we cannot discuss actions that may already have been taken, rest assured that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in any form.”

Ragsdale recounted the story of his father, a German prisoner-of-war who was tortured during World War II.

“He lived with those scars for the rest of his life, and while I may not be Jewish, anti-Semitism has a resounding negative impact on me.”

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Kennesaw State breaks ground on $50M dormitory project

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KSU breaks ground on $50M dormitory project

Submitted information and photo:

Kennesaw State University will make room for approximately 460 more students interested in living on campus with the addition of The Summit II residence hall, which was celebrated during a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.

The nearly 97,000-square-foot residence hall is being built on the south end of the Kennesaw campus adjacent to The Summit I student housing, which opened in 2022. The Summit II, which will include housing for 460 students, will consist primarily of double-bedroom suites for first-year students and will feature study spaces and community areas, including an outdoor space connecting the Summit I and Summit II buildings.

The new residence hall, scheduled to open in Fall 2026, will help meet the needs of Kennesaw State’s growing enrollment. The addition of The Summit II will bring KSU’s total number of residential communities to 11, with a total capacity of more than 6,300 beds across the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses.

“Summit II is an exciting example of our mission and strategic plan in action,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “With group study spaces, enhanced safety features, and a premier living-learning environment, Summit II exemplifies our commitment to student success.”

Special guests at the groundbreaking ceremony included Kennesaw State University Foundation Trustees, representatives from the University System of Georgia, members of the KSU President’s Community Advisory Board, and Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. Following Schwaig’s remarks, Board of Trustees Chair Teddy Parrish and Kennesaw State student Dallas Lee spoke about the significance of the project.

“This is a time of transformation and growth in which I am tremendously proud to take part,” said Parrish, a 1995 Kennesaw State graduate. “I can assure you, when I was at KSU as a student, we did not have any housing like this. Students will benefit from spaces that build community for years to come.”

Lee, a senior majoring in media and entertainment, can attest to Kennesaw State having modernized residence halls where students feel welcomed and supported. Lee is in his third year living in The Summit I while working for KSU Housing and Residence Life, first as a resident assistant and now as a community assistant.

“I am proud to stand here today and discuss why an underclassman community like The Summit is so unique and impactful for student life, and how excited I am to see a new phase of this home come to life,” Lee said. “This place is a steppingstone into adulthood, and we want to make sure our students recognize that and take advantage of what KSU has to offer.”

Adding another personal touch to the project, four people with ties to Kennesaw State will be involved in the construction of The Summit II. The staffs of the consulting firms partnering with KSU include three Owl alumni – Jean Heo (civil engineering ’22), Ryan Horgan (architecture ’15) and Stephen Prather (civil engineering ’15) – as well as current construction management student and intern A.J. Clanton.

“I love working in construction because it allows me to see the tangible results of my hard work,” said Clanton, who received his internship through a Kennesaw State job fair. “KSU has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to not only earn an internship but also excel in the field.”

 

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Sedalia Park, Powers Ferry ES renovations to be considered

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Contracts for major renovations projects at two East Cobb elementary schools are on the Cobb Board of Education agenda Thursday.

Sedalia Park and Powers Ferry elementaries are scheduled to get flooring, door, hardware, window and blind replacements and new bathroom partitions in the current Cobb Education SPLOST VI.

They’re among a number of school construction contracts that will be presented at a board work session that starts at 1:30 p.m., with proposed action scheduled at a voting meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.

An executive session is scheduled in between the public meetings, which will take place in the board room of the Cobb County School District’s central office (514 Glover Street, Marietta).

You can view the agendas for the public meetings by clicking here.

The open meetings also will be live-streamed on district’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24.

Agendas item for the Sedalia Park project indicate a cost of $1.323 million, and $778,565 for Powers Ferry.

Both projects are expected to be completed by July, according to the agenda items.

Another contract would spend $997,633 to resurface the tracks at Wheeler, Kell and Campbell high schools, also to be completed by July.

At the evening meeting, a number of athletics recognitions will take place.

They include the state champion girls swimming and diving team from Lassiter High School, including individual champions Finnly Jollands, Kate Bradley, Ashlyn Loftin, Ashley Gal, Rose Jones and Gavin Halusic.

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Cobb school board member to speak at Chamber breakfast

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Newly elected Cobb school boar member John Cristadoro will be the featured speaker at the East Cobb Area Council Chamber of Commerce breakfast on March 27.Cobb school board member to speak at Chamber breakfast

The event takes place from 7:30-9 a.m. at Indian Hills Country Club (4001 Clubland Drive).

Cristadoro, a Republican, serves Post 5, which includes the Walton, Wheeler and Pope clusters.

He and his wife have two children, who attend Walton High School and Dickerson Middle School, and he has been involved with the Walton youth football program as a coach.

Cristadoro also serves as the Cobb school board vice chairman.

The East Cobb Area Council holds three breakfasts during the year, including the East Cobb Pigskin Preview in August and the East Cobb Citizen of the Year award in November.

The cost for the March 27 breakfast is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members.

Registration: https://web.cobbchamber.org/atlas/events-v4/register/12645.

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Cobb County School District to hold College Fair

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Submitted information:Cobb County School District to hold College Fair

As graduation season approaches, Cobb County School District is dedicated to preparing students for their next big step. To help guide them through the transition, Cobb Schools is hosting a College Fair on Tuesday, March 25, at Hillgrove High School.

This event is designed to equip students with the tools they need to continue to the successful start they earned in Cobb. By connecting with representatives from over 50 universities, students and families can explore academic programs, learn about admissions requirements, and get answers to key questions about their postsecondary options.

Event Details:

Hillgrove High School (4165 Luther Ward Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127)

Tuesday, March 25

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Overview of the U.S. College Application Process

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | College Fair

Additional Informational Sessions:

Financial Aid Overview – Learn how to navigate the financial aspects of college or trade school.

Understanding the Role of the College Essay – Get advice on crafting a compelling personal statement.

HBCU Experience Panel – Gain insights from alumni about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Taking Advantage of the Hope & Zell Grant – Discover how Georgia’s programs support the Technical College System of Georgia students.

From Graduation to the Next Chapter

Cobb Schools has a strong tradition of preparing students for success beyond high school, and this college fair is just one of the many ways the district ensures students are ready for their next journey. As seniors prepare to walk across the stage this May, underclassmen can use this event to start planning for their own futures.

Register Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take charge of your future! Scan the QR code or visit ScholarTrek/Cobb to sign up. The journey to college and career success starts here—see you at the College Fair on March 25!

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Mt. Bethel Christian Academy requests $50M in tax-free bonds

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Proposed Mt. Bethel Christian Academy master plan delayed
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy’s master plan to accommodate new classroom buildings and relocated athletics facilities was adopted in December.

A request by Mt. Bethel Christian Academy for up to $50 million in tax-free bonds to expand its upper-school campus on Post Oak Tritt Road will be heard by the Cobb Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

According to an agenda item, Mt. Bethel is asking commissioners to adopt a resolution from the Development Authority of Cobb County “to finance the costs of, constructing, expanding, improving and/or equipping certain educational facilities for the use and operation” of the private school facility, where a high school campus has been in operation since 2014.

Private businesses and other entities seek the bonds for expansion projects, and commissioners are asked to adopt those resolutions.

But public money is not used for what are called “Lease Revenue” bonds, which lower the cost of borrowing compared to standard corporate bonds.

The agenda item (you can read it here) further states that “the proposed Bonds will not be an obligation of the County, or of the State of Georgia or of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision of the State of Georgia. The proposed Bonds will not be paid from taxes, but will be payable by the Issuer solely from amounts to be paid or provided by the Company.”

Mt. Bethel, which began under the auspices of the now-Mt. Bethel Church in 1998, is planning to move its middle school grades to the 33-acre site near Holly Springs Road.

It enrolls nearly 700 students at all grade levels, including around 200 in high school.  The expansion project would allow up to 625 students in grades 6-12.

The school is proposing to build a multi-story classroom building and other academic facilities and construct a new dining hall.

In December, commissioners adopted a master plan for the Post Oak Tritt property to relocate and expand some existing athletic facilities and allow a second access point to the campus.

The school separated from the church in 2021 and has rented K-8 class space at the church property on Lower Roswell Road.

But the school’s lease is up in 2028, and academy officials are also seeking a new site for the K-5 grades.

There’s not room on Post Oak Tritt Road for the entire school, which school officials envision having around 1,000 students in the future.

The development authority held a public hearing for the Mt. Bethel proposal on Jan. 24, and according to Tuesday’s agenda item, there were no speakers commenting either for or against the bond proposal.

But some nearby residents were concerned about some of the changes that were eventually incorporated into the master plan, including lighting and noise issues stemming from the athletic facilities, as well as a buffer between the school and the neighborhood.

The Board of Commissioners meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the county office building at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. You can view the full agenda by clicking here.

You also can watch the hearing on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.

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East Cobb high schools named 2025 AP honor schools

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Lassiter High School graduation rate

All six public high schools in East Cobb were included in multiple categories by the Georgia Department of Education in its Advanced Placement Honor Schools roll call for 2025.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods said 301 schools in 104 school districts were so honored, and they “exemplify our commitment to providing students with rigorous, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for success beyond high school.”

The 2025 AP Honor Schools are named in eight categories based on the results of 2024 AP courses and exams.

AP exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT.

All six high schools—Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton and Wheeler—were included in the Humanities Achievement, STEM and STEM Achievement categories.

The descriptions of each category below comes from Georgia DOE; the East Cobb schools honored in that category are noted in parenthesis.

AP Access and Support Schools (Kell, Sprayberry)

Schools with at least 30% of AP exams taken by students who identified as African American and/or Hispanic (minimum of 16 students) and 30% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. At least 25 exams must be administered.

AP schools with 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2023 to May 2024 and a minimum of 25 students testing in May 2023.

AP Humanities Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

Schools that administered at least five exams in each of the following AP categories: one ELA course, two social studies courses, one fine arts course, and one world language course, and a minimum of 25 total exams administered.

AP Humanities Achievement Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

AP Humanities schools (see above definition) with at least 50% of all AP Humanities exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

AP Schools of Distinction (Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

Schools with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

AP STEM Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

Schools that administered at least 5 exams in each of four separate AP STEM courses (math, science, and computer science) and a minimum of 25 total exams administered.

AP STEM Achievement Schools (Kell, Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler)

AP STEM schools (see above definition) with at least 50% of all AP STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

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LGE Community Credit Union announces 2025 scholarship program

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Submitted information:

LGE Community Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program through March 28, 2025.

The annual scholarship program helps exceptional high school seniors from our communities attend the college, university, or technical school of their dreams by providing them with a $2,500 scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in each of the following counties: Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, and Paulding County.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Be an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry; OR have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who is an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry. Membership will be verified upon receipt of entry.
  • Be a legal resident of the United States residing in the state of Georgia.
  • Be a high school senior graduating in the 2024–2025 school year from a public high school, private school, or accredited home school in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, or Paulding County.
  • Be enrolling to attend as a full-time student in an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States during the fall of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Application process:

  1. Register for an LGE Community Credit Union KOFE account and complete all required form fields.
  2. Complete and pass the “Debt for Teens” financial education course with a score of 70% or above.
  3. Answer the following questions in fewer than 400 characters:
    1. What was the most impactful lesson you learned from the financial education modules?
    2. What would winning the LGE Scholarship mean to you?

The 2025 LGE scholarship program is subject to Official Rules. Please visit //LGEccu.org/Scholarship for complete details.

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Cobb Schools Foundation honors 2025 volunteers of the year

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Cobb Schools Foundation honors 2025 volunteers of the year
Ryan Garcia, the 2025 volunteer of the year at Daniell Middle School. Photos courtesy of Cobb County School District

The Cobb County School District held a luncheon Thursday to celebrate volunteers of the year at all of its schools.

The event, held at Jim Miller Park, was organized by the Cobb Schools Foundation. According to the district, the recipients “exemplify the power of selflessness and community spirit. The luncheon will celebrate their invaluable contributions and highlight the lasting difference they make in the lives of Cobb students.”

They were presented with their honors by Cobb School Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and staff from the Cobb Schools Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the needs of students across the county.

Here are the honorees at schools in East Cobb:

Elementary Schools

  • Addison: Mark Cobb
  • Bells Ferry: Giovanna Montanes-Durand
  • Blackwell: Bindi Patel
  • Brumby: Kathleen Rouse
  • Davis: Sasha Gray
  • East Side: Cortney Morgan
  • Eastvalley: Laura Dietrich
  • Garrison Mill: Ann Maxwell
  • Keheley: RaeAnne Sturgill
  • Kincaid: Kevin McAlpin
  • Mt. Bethel: Kim Knight
  • Mountain View: Andy Holden
  • Murdock: Rebecca Reiss
  • Nicholson: Linda Elliott
  • Powers Ferry: Carol Stevens Maxwell
  • Rocky Mount: Jennifer Hill
  • Sedalia Park: Steve Harris
  • Shallowford Falls: Lauren Hammers
  • Sope Creek: Lara Moberg
  • Timber Ridge: Corrie Duckworth
  • Tritt: Kyndal Levin

Middle Schools:

  • Daniell: Ryan Garcia
  • Dickerson: Nicole Carter
  • Dodgen: Meredith Wilkes
  • East Cobb: Ashley Siegal
  • Hightower Trail: Laura McDade
  • Mabry: Elizabeth Wentz
  • McCleskey: Brittney Anderson
  • Simpson: Jennifer Richardson

High Schools:

  • Kell: Lisa Thorne
  • Lassiter: Kelly Brickley
  • Pope: Joy Ettel
  • Sprayberry: Ruth Somerlot
  • Walton: Natalie Collins
  • Wheeler: Pilar Kornegay

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Dodgen MS students excel at Georgia Science Olympiad

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Dodgen MS students excel at Georgia Science Olympiad

Submitted information and photo:

Dodgen Middle School’s Science Olympiad Team continues its legacy of excellence! Dodgen students recently claimed first place at the Regional Tournament held at Georgia State University, securing a spot at the State Tournament on April 19 at the University of Georgia.

The competition was intense, with 21 teams from 15 different middle schools—including fellow Cobb County schools McCleskey Middle and Campbell Middle—vying for a chance to advance. Science Olympiad challenges students in 23 STEM events, from building structures like towers and air trajectory devices to demonstrating knowledge in earth science, chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering.

Dodgen’s Science Olympiad program has been a powerhouse since 2001, consistently ranking among the best in the state. The team has won regionals multiple times, including the past two consecutive years. In the last 11 state tournaments (excluding 2020), Dodgen has placed first or second, earning the opportunity to compete at Nationals against top teams from across the country and Japan. Under the leadership of Coach Barbara Kappel, the team has made Nationals the past two years, a streak they hope to continue.

“I am so proud of the hard work and commitment our students have put in this year to continue Dodgen’s Science Olympiad success!” said Mrs. Kappel, who has coached the team to consecutive national appearances.

A Commitment to Excellence

Dodgen’s Science Olympiad program is so popular that the school has fielded three full teams for the past two years. Fifteen students per team compete in three or four different events, preparing weekly by conducting research, building and testing devices, and refining their problem-solving skills. With the help of dedicated parents and community volunteers, students sacrifice countless hours during the week and on weekends to strengthen their skills.

Science Olympiad isn’t just about competition—it fosters a collaborative community of young scientists and engineers. Older students take on leadership roles, guiding younger teammates and helping them grow in confidence and ability.

As Dodgen prepares for the state competition, the school community is cheering them on. A strong performance could earn them a third consecutive trip to Nationals at the University of Nebraska in late May.

Congratulations to the Dodgen Middle School Science Olympiad Team, Coach Kappel, and the dedicated parent and community volunteers who make this success possible!

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60+ Georgia colleges, universities to waive application fees

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Submitted information:60+ Georgia colleges, universities to waive application fees in March

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) has partnered with the University System of Georgia (USG), the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and private institutions to provide application fee waivers to Georgia high school seniors through the Find Your MATCH in March initiative. Over 60 Georgia colleges and universities have agreed to waive their application fees for high school seniors between March 1-31.

“We are working to let every Georgian know there is a path to a successful career for them right here in the Peach State, starting at one of our institutions of higher learning,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That’s why allowing our prospective students and their families an opportunity to apply to college with no application fee this month is so important. It further opens the door to a rewarding career and lets young Georgians know they can find success right here in their home state.”

This is the 8th time the Georgia Student Finance Commission has promoted application fee waivers since the initiative started in 2022. There is no limit on the number of schools a student may apply to using the application fee waivers. While application fees may vary by institution, the cost savings to high school seniors applying to multiple colleges are significant.

“Over 137,000 Georgia high school seniors have an opportunity to apply to college free in March through the GEORGIA MATCH dashboard,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “The Find Your MATCH in March initiative encourages seniors to take advantage of college application fee waivers, direct admissions through GEORGIA MATCH, and over $1 billion in financial aid available annually through Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and other grant and loan programs.”

Students who claim their spot at a college or university through the GEORGIA MATCH dashboard will automatically have their application fees waived. The full list of participating schools and information on how to access the application fee waivers may be found at GAfutures.org.

The mission of the Georgia Student Finance Commission is to help students pursue higher education with the least out-of-pocket costs possible. Students interested in learning more about application fee waivers, GEORGIA MATCH, scholarships, and grants may connect with their regional GSFC Outreach Representative by visiting GAfutures.org/Outreach.

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Lassiter speech and debate team prevails at state championship

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Lassiter speech and debate team prevails at state championship

Submitted information and photo:

Lassiter High School’s Speech and Debate Team has once again proven its excellence, earning top honors at the Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA) Varsity State Speech and Debate Championship. The team secured the State Championship in Speech Sweepstakes and finished as the State Runner-Up in Overall Sweepstakes, solidifying their place among Georgia’s best.

This remarkable achievement recognizes Lassiter as the top-performing Speech Team in the state and the second-best overall Speech and Debate Team at the prestigious competition.

“Winning the State Speech Sweepstakes Championship and securing the title of State Runner-Up Overall testifies to the dedication to excellence exemplified by the Lassiter Trojans,” praised Lassiter English teacher Jonathan Waters, who coaches the debate team along with Social Studies teacher Christina Cazzola. “The students worked tirelessly and committed themselves to the hard work of a long season. Their coaches couldn’t be prouder!”

Outstanding Student Achievements

Lassiter’s talented students delivered exceptional performances across multiple categories, bringing home individual state titles and top placements.

State Champions: Emma Rasco – Program of Oral Interpretation Prioska Baruah – Original Oratory

State Runners-Up: Sophia Martin – Program of Oral Interpretation Zarah Scott – Informative Speaking

State Finalists and Semifinalists: 

  • Zarah Scott – Impromptu Speaking (Finalist)
  • Annabel Dutta – Original Oratory (Semifinalist)
  • Samuel Lamirand – Original Oratory (Semifinalist)
  • Debate Achievements: Adeleine Choi – Lincoln Douglas (Quarterfinalist)
  • Madison Kang & Niharika Raman – Public Forum (Quarterfinalists)

Coaching Excellence

Lassiter’s success is a testament to the dedication and leadership of their outstanding coach, Jonathan Waters. His impact on the program was recognized at the state level with two prestigious honors:

  • GFCA Speech Coach of the Year
  • Induction into the GFCA Hall of Fame

These awards celebrate his unwavering commitment to the team and his role in shaping the next generation of speech and debate champions.

A Legacy of Excellence

Lassiter’s Speech and Debate Team continues to set a high bar for success, demonstrating skill, passion, and dedication in competitive speech and debate. Their remarkable performance at the state championship reflects countless hours of preparation and a culture of excellence fostered by both students and coaches. Congratulations to all Lassiter competitors, Coach Waters, and the entire Speech and Debate Team on this extraordinary achievement!

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Cobb school board extends superintendent’s contract to 2028

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Cobb superintendent to make school safety presentation

With virtually no discussion, the Cobb Board of Education on Thursday extended the contract of Superintendent Chris Ragsdale through February 2028.

The 6-0 vote took place after an executive session. In the last two years, the vote was largely along 4-3 partisan lines, with the board’s Republicans in favor and with the Democrats opposed.

Democratic board member Becky Sayler was absent from the meeting.

Ragsdale’s latest one-year extension continues his annual salary at $350,000. Unlike a fiery meeting last year, this year’s extension came without much incident.

After a series of votes after executive session, board chairman David Chastain said “we have another personnel motion.”

That was introduced by newly elected board member John Cristadoro of Post 5 in East Cobb, and immediately all six members in attendance raised their hands.

Afterward, there was a smattering of applause from the audience.

Ragsdale said that “I appreciate the vote of support and confidence.”

During a public comment session before the vote, some of Ragsdale’s familiar critics spoke out against what they anticipated would happen.

Former Cobb school counselor Jennifer Susko, wearing a “No Confidence in Ragsdale” shirt, noted that attendees at board meetings now have to walk through metal detectors at the Cobb school district central office as a safety measure not employed at the schools.

She’s been among those protesting Ragsdale and the board’s Republican majority, and which got involved in a scuffle before a board meeting in September 2023 that led to a lawsuit against the district.

“No one ever claimed that y’all’s biggest fear in the lobby—East Cobb moms in orange cardigans—were a threat,” she said.

“Chris said metal detectors don’t work, until it’s supposedly about yourselves in this building. Meanwhile, families in South Cobb, in your schools, where actual gun violence has occurred, have asked for the same protection and been routinely ignored.”

(At a Thursday work session, district officials unveiled the addition of new canine teams trained to detect weapons in school buildings.)

Susko added that when Ragsdale’s contract “is rubber-stamped, by the good old boys, and he smirks and uses his favorite defense mechanism, ‘thanks for the vote of confidence,’ we’ll all know that that the truth—’no confidence in Ragsdale’—echoes in his head, no matter how much he tries to drown out the people of Cobb County.”

School board members also voted Thursday to opt out of HB 581, a law passed by the Georgia General Assembly, designed to cap property tax rates.

Like Cobb government, however, Cobb schools have stated that its current exemptions are more beneficial to parents and taxpayers.

The district claims that it would lose an estimated $43 million under the new homestead exemption law, which “could force the District to cut teacher salaries, increase class sizes, or otherwise harm student learning.”

On the board’s consent agenda included a vote to set maximum price of $9.8 million for major renovations at Bells Ferry Elementary School.

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Cobb schools to add canine detection teams as safety measure

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Cobb schools to add canine detection teams as safety measure
“Aubie,” a black Labrador retriever in training with the Cobb County School District and provided by Global K9, a security solutions provider.

The Cobb County School District will be adding two canine detection teams as part of its efforts to bolster safety in schools.

At a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday, officials introduced the “Vapor Wake” system, in which officer-led teams with specially trained dogs identify “person-worn or concealed-carried explosives and firearms,” according to the district.

The program includes a partnership with Global K9 Protection Group, a private company based in Opelika, Ala., that provides canine-focused security solutions.

The dogs are trained to “continuously sample the air for concealed firearms and explosives, tracking potential threats even while in motion. This cutting-edge detection capability provides real-time security monitoring, allowing for a swift response to potential threats.”

Major universities, sports arenas, theaters and other entities use Vapor Wake.

“We want our families to see for themselves that our schools are the safest in our community,” Cobb school board chairman David Chastain said in a district statement. “These canine teams are another example of us identifying and addressing threats before they happen.”

The Cobb school district has canine teams that aren’t specifically trained in Vapor Wake.

At the work session, Global K9 personnel presented “Dakota” and “Aubie,”  two Labrador retrievers will be working in Cobb schools, and who are undergoing training.

Much of what Cobb schools is doing regarding safety has been done in confidence. When the district announced in October a partnership with a private national intelligence firm, it didn’t initially identify that company.

News reports revealed that it’s Servius Group, which includes former federal military and intelligence staffers who will be using counterintelligence techniques, data science and machine-learning components to conduct risk assessments at other schools and other measures that haven’t been clearly spelled out.

“This is a different situation in that we want to scream from the mountaintops that we have these canines, officers in use and they are able to detect weapons with 100 percent efficiency,” Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale said.

“We want everybody to know that. We want the world to know that where we have these canines there are going to present and be able to prevent weapons from entering the school.”

Keith Turner of Global K9 said the company was formed in 2018 with 20 employees, and currently has nearly 600 personnel, employing canine teams in more than 160 cities and localities.

The Vapor Wake contract, which will cost the Cobb school district $80,000, includes continuing training and recertification.

He said the company can sell dogs, “but what I want to sell is the idea of family.”

The company’s client base includes the Atlanta Braves, Six Flags theme parks, various stadiums and performing arts venues in California and elsewhere, and the Chicago and New York City police departments.

He said the Vapor Wake technology “is proven,” with the dogs trained to source particles in the air.

He said the technology is unobtrusive and won’t “hit on a cell phone, on a laptop,” unlike some metal-detecting devices.

“This is a dangerous odor,” Turner said. “It could be a smokeless powder, it could be potassium nitrate, anything with residue.”

Ragsdale said “it’s hard not to be excited” about something “that’s 100 percent effective.

“If we’re going to say student and staff safety is our top priority, then we need to do everything we can to ensure that that top priority remains attainable.”

But school board members did have some questions about Vapor Wake and the program.

Nichelle Davis asked about students and staff who didn’t like dogs or who were allergic to them.

Turner said he wasn’t aware of any such cases with his company’s trained animals, and wanted the program to engender a feeling of friendliness and safety with the dogs.

Randy Scamihorn wanted to see something of a demonstration at the open work session, but was told that would be provided in executive session for security reasons.

He also wanted to know if the handlers would be uniformed, and Ragsdale said “we’re getting down into the weeds that we’re not going to talk about now.”

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Bells Ferry ES reconstruction project to cost $9.8 million

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Bells Ferry ES 2nd and 3rd graders to relocate to Chalker ES
An aerial architectural rendering of the Bells Ferry ES reconstruction project.

UPDATED:

The Cobb school board Thursday approved the construction price maximum by consent.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Cobb County School District has recommended a maximum price for the cost of major renovations and additions at Bells Ferry Elementary School in Northeast Cobb.

According to an agenda item, the Cobb Board of Education will be asked Thursday to set that price at $9.8 million and to approve Winter Construction of Atlanta as the contractor.

The funding will come from the current SPLOST VI sales tax for Cobb schools.

Setting a maximum price enables the contractor “to move forward to begin procuring long lead time equipment, sitework, utility relocation, and other enabling work in accordance with the planned schedule,” according to the agenda item.

Completion is estimated for July 2027.

The project will be discussed at a board work session starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, and is listed as an action item for the board voting meeting that begins at 7 p.m.

You can view the agendas for the public meetings by clicking here.

An executive session is scheduled in between the public meetings, which will take place in the board room of the Cobb County School District’s central office (514 Glover Street, Marietta).

The open meetings also will be live-streamed on district’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24.

The current Bells Ferry facility at Bells Ferry Road and Piedmont Road was built in 1973, and currently enrolls 750 students.

The oldest portion of the main building will be rebuilt, and the school will get upgraded technology and communications equipment, including new computing and interactive devices for classrooms, telephone systems and replacing two playground areas.

The project will also prompt portable classrooms on the campus, and second- and third-grade classes will be relocated to nearby Chalker Elementary School starting in August.

At the evening meeting, the Cobb school board will be holding the last of three required public hearings on the district’s intent to opt out of a new state homestead exemption law. A vote on the measure also is scheduled.

HB 581 was passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2024, and state voters approved enabling legislation in a November referendum to establish a statewide floating homestead exemption.

Those exemptions apply to counties, school districts and municipalities, and would place a cap on property tax rates based on an inflation rate set by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The law was passed following concerns about dramatic property tax rate increases due to soaring assessments during periods of high inflation.

Like Cobb government, however, Cobb schools have stated that its current exemptions are more beneficial to parents and taxpayers.

The district claims that it would lose an estimated $43 million under the new homestead exemption law, which “could force the District to cut teacher salaries, increase class sizes, or otherwise harm student learning.”

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Cobb elementary students recognized in waterSmart Contest

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Cobb elementary students recognized in waterSmart Contest
Powers Ferry ES student Fernanda S. was named the cover art winner.

Submitted information and photos:

Cobb County Water System (CCWS) and Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) congratulate the fifteen winning students of the 20th annual Tappy Turtle Coloring Book Contest.

This year’s winners are: Jocelyn S. and Lydia L. from Blackwell Elementary School; Raquel L. from Pitner Elementary School; Minha K. from Kincaid Elementary School; Lena C. from Sanders Elementary School; Alicia A. from Green Acres Elementary School; Charlotte R. and Dhatri S. from King Springs Elementary School; Fernanda S. from Powers Ferry Elementary School; Aadvik S. and Alycia A. from Bells Ferry Elementary School; Sarah W. and Madison B. from Mountain View Elementary School; Grace D. from Hendricks Elementary School; and Annabella Q. from Bullard Elementary School.

Fernanda S. from Powers Ferry Elementary School is the cover art winner. Her drawing showed the importance of turning off the water while brushing your teeth to conserve water.
For the past 20 years, fourth and fifth grade students submit their hand-drawn artwork featuring CCWS’ water conservation mascot, Tappy Turtle, demonstrating water conservation tips. This year, the contest received more than 350 entries from eleven Cobb County and City of Marietta elementary schools.

The Adventures of Tappy Turtle 2025 Coloring Book presents water conservation tips in English and Spanish. It will be distributed throughout the community and is available for free download at www.cobbcounty.org/watersmart.

This contest is a collaborative program of CCWS and CCMWA. The waterSmart™ program was created in 2000 by CCMWA to educate their service area residents of all ages about the importance of indoor and outdoor water conservation.

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