East Cobb Schools

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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Delta Community college scholarship applications accepted

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Delta Community college scholarship applications accepted
2024 Delta Community College Scholarship award recipient Gargi Telang (middle) with Jai Rogers-Thomas, Delta Community’s vice president of Business and Community Development (left) and Matthew Shepherd, Delta Community’s chief operating officer (right).

Submitted information and photo:

Delta Community Credit Union, Georgia’s largest credit union, began accepting entries for its 20th Annual College Scholarship Program on Feb. 1. The credit union will select five deserving students, who will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to assist with college-related expenses.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on their academic achievement, community involvement and a personal essay. This year’s essay submission will require applicants to complete two Delta Community Financial Education Center BalanceTrack modules, Money Management and Credit Matters, before writing a response to the following question:

After completing Delta Community’s Financial Education Center BalanceTrack modules, you’ve gained valuable insights into money management and responsible credit use. How will you apply this knowledge to shape your financial future in a positive and practical way?

“For two decades, our College Scholarship Program has enabled us to invest in dedicated, civic-minded students, so they can pursue worthwhile careers and further position themselves as a positive force in their local communities,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “This year’s essay question encourages our applicants to think about responsible spending and borrowing, which will play an important role in helping them reach their academic and professional goals.”

Applicants must be Delta Community members seeking a first-time undergraduate degree and enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university during the 2025-2026 fall semester. Students must complete the Delta Community 2025 scholarship application online by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2025, in order to qualify. The award recipients will be announced in early April.

In addition to its annual Scholarship Program, Delta Community offers scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provides hundreds of free classes in metro Atlanta through its Financial Education Center.

 

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Cobb school district 2025-26 transfer window opens

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Submitted information:Campbell High School lockdown

Parents/guardians of a student zoned to attend a District school may apply for an HB 251 School Choice transfer in accordance with state law and District rule in order to pursue a transfer to a school other than the locally zoned school. 

Available space at a school is based on permanent classroom space. In the event that the number of transfer requests exceeds the available capacity of a school, the District will conduct a random lottery. 

The application window for the 2025-2026 school year is open from January 21, 2025 through February 14, 2025. No late applications will be accepted.

For more information about this program, including instructions on how to apply, please visit our School Choice Transfer page. 

Here’s the following availability at schools in East Cobb:

Elementary Schools

  • Blackwell 160
  • Brumby 88
  • Davis 95
  • Eastvalley 20
  • Keheley 158
  • Kincaid 91
  • Mt. Bethel 5
  • Mountain View 47
  • Murdock 63
  • Nicholson 126
  • Sedalia Park 183
  • Shallowford Falls 273
  • Timber Ridge 41
  • Tritt 66

Middle Schools

  • Daniell 208
  • Hightower Trail 32
  • Mabry 183
  • McCleskeu 344
  • Simpson 17

High Schools

  • Kell 389
  • Lassiter 5
  • Pope 5
  • Sprayberry 178

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Cobb school board to hold hearings on homestead exemption

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Like Cobb County Government, the Cobb County School District has announced its intent to opt out of a new homestead exemption law designed to cap local property tax rates.

The Cobb Board of Education must hold three public hearings as a result, and they have been scheduled as follows:

  • Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
  • Feb. 13, 1;30 p.m.

The hearings will take place in the board room of the CCSD central office, 514 Glover St., Marietta. At a Feb. 13 voting meeting at 7 p.m., an agenda item will call for a vote to opt-out of the new law.

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 biggest chunk of local property tax rates in Cobb are for school taxes. In Cobb, homeowners over the age of 62 (outside of the city of Marietta) can apply for a senior exemption from school taxes.

According to the Cobb Tax Commissioner’s office, “once approved, the homestead exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as you continually occupy the home under the same ownership. The only time you must reapply for an exemption is if there is a change in ownership, residence or you wish to qualify for a higher exemption.”

The current fiscal year 2025 Cobb school district budget is $1.8 billion, which did not roll back tax rates despite a spending increase from the previous year.

The district’s announcement last week claimed 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.”

The district said that Cobb’s per capita spending is around $11,000 per student.

“To recommend any process that would most definitely result in the Cobb County School District losing funds, which would be used to educate Cobb children, would not be a responsible recommendation,” Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale said at a Cobb school board meeting last Thursday.

“We have one of the best School districts in the nation – academically, athletically, musically, and artistically. We are consistently recognized in each of these areas. Parents expect a high-quality education when sending their students to a Cobb school; that is exactly what we will continue to provide.”

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Bells Ferry ES 2nd and 3rd graders to relocate to Chalker ES

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Bells Ferry ES 2nd and 3rd graders to relocate to Chalker ES

Second- and third-grade classes at Bells Ferry Elementary School will be temporarily relocated to Chalker Elementary School starting in August due to a construction project.

The Cobb County School District announced Thursday that parents of those students have been notified of the details of the relocation, and released renderings of the project.

The relocation is expected to take two years, to the start of the 2027-28 school year, as Bells Ferry will be undergoing a rebuild of its main campus building on Bells Ferry Road at Piedmont Road.

Like the rebuilt and relocated Eastvalley Elementary School, the new Bells Ferry campus will feature a multi-story main building.

A final construction price hasn’t been announced, but the contractor, Winter Construction Co. of Atlanta, was announced in June. The funding will come from the current SPLOST VI sales tax for Cobb schools.

During a Cobb Board of Education meeting Thursday, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said the relocation of the students is necessary due to space constraints at Bells Ferry, which opened in 1972 and has more than 750 students.

While the project is underway, there will be portable classrooms on the Bells Ferry campus.

The oldest portion of the 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.

Ragsdale said transportation will not be affected for the Bells Ferry students relocated to Chalker. Their usual bus will pick them up and drop them off as they currently do for Bells Ferry.

Bells Ferry ES 2nd and 3rd graders to relocate to Chalker ES

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Pope, Sprayberry, Murdock ES construction projects approved

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Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores

The Cobb Board of Education on Thursday approved a construction contract for a variety of renovations at Pope High School.

The $4.9 million project was awarded to MAPP, LLC of Atlanta and is expected to be completed by November

The funding comes from the current Cobb-Ed SPLOST VI and will be used for the following, per a Cobb County School District aganda item:

  • door and hardware replacements
  • media center and band room flooring replacements
  • front entry renovations
  • removing corridor lockers
  • renovating physical education and athletic locker rooms
  • replacing the concession building at the baseball stadium
  • baseball field improvements

The board approved a construction contract to refurbish the stadium at Sprayberry High School, at a cost of $937,363.

The contractor is Nix-Fowler Constructors of Mableton and the job includes improvements mandated by the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.

The expected completion date is May and SPLOST VI funds will be used.

Sprayberry is undergoing a major overhaul of its campus with the main classroom building getting a replacement facility that is expected to take three years to complete.

The board also approved spending $739,768 in SPLOST VI funds replace the coolers and freezers at Murdock Elementary School.

The contractor is Ward Humphrey Inc. of Marietta and the project is expected to be done by July.

The school will receive a new walk-in freezer and cooler, along with updated mechanical and electrical equipment. The kitchen staff locker room and restroom also will be renovated, according to an agenda item.

 

Lindley MS student ‘critical’ after self-inflicted shooting

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UPDATED THURSDAY, 8:15 P.M.

Both Cobb Police and the Cobb County School District said Thursday that the student remains in critical condition but did not offer many more details.

They did acknowledge that the student is a female, but did not offer a motive or other details.

They also did not say how she was able to get a gun inside the school campus.

Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith said that “no additional details about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the incident will be shared to protect the privacy of those involved and maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

“The Cobb County Police Department and Cobb County School District Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and community members.”

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Cobb Police said Wednesday that a person was shot at Lindley Middle School in Mableton, and “that there was one victim” as the school went on a lockdown.Campbell High School lockdown

Few other details have been provided by police, except to say that the shooting was self-inflicted and that the school went on a Code Red lockdown for a time.

Police said in statement Wednesday that the campus was eventually secured and that parents were able to pick up their children from a nearby campus.

A message that went out to the school community from Lindley officials said that “one of our students used a firearm to commit a self-harm. The student is in critical condition, surrounded by family and loved ones.”

The message said that school administrators, along with a  Cobb County School District police officer, “responded immediately and secured the weapon.

“Police have confirmed that there was no specific threats to fellow students and the code red was lifted as soon as the situation was resolved.”

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Cobb schools announce 2025 commencement schedule

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Lassiter graduation, Cobb schools 2020 graduation schedule

Submitted information:

Graduation honors years of dedication and achievement, celebrating student success and their bright futures ahead. The Cobb County School District is pleased to announce the 2025 commencement schedule so students and their families can celebrate the milestone together.

Commencement ceremonies for Cobb’s Class of 2025 begin Monday, May 19, and continue through the evening of Saturday, May 24. 

All district-hosted ceremonies will take place at the KSU Convocation Center. McEachern High School students will graduate inside the school’s Cantrell Stadium on the morning of Thursday, May 22. Allatoona High School graduates will march across the stage at Allatoona Stadium the following morning on May 23. 

Cobb Horizon High School and the Cobb Online Learning Academy (COLA) will take the stage for the first commencement ceremony on May 19, followed by Hillgrove High School graduates turning their tassels a few hours later. 

Additional information about each school’s ceremony, venue information including directions and parking information, access to live streaming broadcasts of the ceremonies, and video recordings ordering information will be available on the District’s Commencement page.

Here are the commencement details for high schools in East Cobb:

  • Sprayberry: Tuesday, May 20, 3:30 p.m. at KSU
  • Kell: Wednesday, May 21, 3:30 p.m. at KSU
  • Lassiter: Wednesday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. at KSU
  • Walton: Thursday, May 22, 2:30 p.m. at KSU
  • Pope: Friday, May 23, 10 a.m. at KSU
  • Wheeler: Saturday, May 24, 2:30 p.m. at KSU

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East Cobb Weather Update: Cobb schools resume on Monday

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East Cobb Weather Update: Cobb schools resume on Monday
Reader Tami McIntire outside her home in East Cobb, with an outer space theme to Winter Storm Cora.

The winter storm that swept through East Cobb on Friday, leaving snow and some freezing conditions gave plenty of families a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Thanks to readers Tami McIntire and Catarina Kommer for the photos from their yards Sunday on what’s the last of a three-day snow holiday here for many. (You can send yours if you like, too, and we’ll add them to this post: editor@eastcobbnews.com).

With somewhat warmer temperatures in the forecast, activities that had been cancelled or postponed are returning to normal.

The Cobb County School District sent this message to the public Sunday afternoon:

“All Cobb County School District schools are fully operational and will be open on a normal schedule on Monday, January 13th.

“We look forward to seeing all students in school and on time!”

The sun came out on Sunday and highs crept up into the low 40s, enough for some of snow/sleet to melt.

It’s expected to freeze back again Sunday night, with lows back in the 20s, so there are continued road hazards in some spots.

Cobb government said Sunday afternoon that “icy spots could persist in shaded areas and could re-form Monday morning. Cobb DOT will respond to calls as they arrive, but please use caution.”

Cobb DOT has a maintenance work desk at 770-528-1600 for routine issues to be handed during regular business hours, and via mobile app: https://seeclickfix.com/cobb-county.

East Cobb Weather Update: Cobb schools resume on Monday
Inside, Tami McIntire’s cat doesn’t know what to make of the snow.
East Cobb Weather Update: Cobb schools resume on Monday
Luna, Catarina Kommer’s Rottweiler, enjoying a tromp in the snow.
East Cobb Weather Update: Cobb schools resume on Monday
A cardinal in the snow in Catarina Kommer’s yard.

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Cobb school district closed Friday; Ga. emergency declared

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From the Cobb County School District around 11 a.m. Thursday:Campbell High School lockdown

“As we prepare for forecasted ice and snow and to protect students and staff who could be traveling to school during dangerous road conditions, all Cobb schools and offices will be closed on Friday, January 10th, for all students and staff. All extracurriculars, including sports, are also canceled on Friday, January 10th, and Saturday, January 11th.”

UPDATED, around noon Thursday, from Gov. Brian Kemp:

“Governor Brian P. Kemp today declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective immediately through Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in preparation for the approaching winter storm expected to impact Georgia beginning this Friday. The State of Emergency authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts. GEMA/HS, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), and other state agencies are instructed to provide essential personnel to the SOC, which will move to a Level 2 Activation beginning tonight at 7 p.m.

“The Georgia Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety, began treating roads early this morning to prepare for the approaching winter storm, and I’m asking all Georgians to help them do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event.”

“Among other provisions, the State of Emergency order prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.”

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