Cobb school superintendent Archives

Cobb school superintendent honored

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On Thursday, April 18, the 9th District PTA surprised the Cobb County School District and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The surprise award recognized the Cobb County School District Superintendent for his long tenure of service and the important contributions he’s made to education. The 9th District recognized the broad impact Superintendent Ragsdale has made on over 500,000 students in the Atlanta-metro area since first being named interim Superintendent in 2014.

The surprise announcement was made during the District 9 Spring Conference, where PTA representatives from across the District and surrounding districts had gathered to honor Superintendent Ragsdale and to elect new officers. The 9th District PTA represents the schools in Cobb, Paulding, Douglas, Polk, Carroll, and Haralson counties.

Superintendent Ragsdale’s long career of public service began in the Technology department of Paulding County Schools where he served for over 18 years in various leadership roles. He has served first as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Superintendent in the Cobb County School District for the last decade and is one of the longest tenured superintendents in the metropolitan area.

Under his leadership, the District has reached record highs in graduation rates and various accountability measures, achieved and maintained a AAA credit rating, and has consistently recruited and retained the very best teachers in the state. The steady focus of the Superintendent since taking office has been, and continues to be, one team, with one goal, student success.

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Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale got a contract extension Wednesday night and a pay boost. Chris Ragsdale, Cobb school superintendent

The Cobb Board of Education announced its decision after an executive session. Ragsdale’s new contract was extended for one year over his existing deal, to the end of March 2022.

He will receive an annual salary of $350,000, according to a district spokeswoman. Ragsdale, who was named superintendent in 2015 at a salary of $275,000, has a current salary of $327,000.

Ragsdale had served previously in a number of executive capacities with the Cobb County School District, including deputy superintendent.

The contract vote passed unanimously, 7-0.

The board also accepted the resignation of assistant superintendent Robert Downs, a former Pope High School principal, effective Feb. 22. He has been appointed Buford school superintendent.

Deputy superintendent John Adams also announced after the executive session that the school board had agreed to purchase 1.7 acres of land adjacent to the school district’s headquarters on Glover Street in Marietta.

The land is at 484 Glover Street, and includes more than 45,000 square feet of existing office and warehouse space. A formal vote on the purchase is expected next month.

The Cobb school district has been looking to consolidate its headquarters, and has been leasing office space nearby. Last year Cobb schools paid $4.2 million for adjoining land on Fairground Street that was the location of The Marietta Daily Journal for more than 50 years.

The MDJ has moved to Waddell Street, near the Marietta Square.

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!