In a decisive move underscoring fiscal prudence, the Cobb County Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s proposed $1.86 billion tentative budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The budget maintains the current millage rate at 18.7 mills, below the 19-mill cap, despite anticipated decreases in the tax digest.
Board member Randy Scamihorn introduced the motion to approve the budget, with Tre’ Hutchins providing the necessary second. The budget comprises a $1.7 billion general fund and $166 million allocated to other funds.
Superintendent Ragsdale acknowledged the budget’s tighter constraints compared to previous years but emphasized its commitment to staff:
“While this is not a doom and gloom budget, as I stated earlier today, the digest growth is somewhat the concern,” he said. “That’s where the concern is heading.”
The budget ensures a step increase for eligible employees, potentially up to a 4.6% raise, based on tenure and advanced degrees.
Chief Financial Officer Brad Johnson, whose retirement was announced at the meeting, reported a projected tax digest growth of 2.1% for the coming year—a significant drop from 7.4% in 2025 and 15.1% in 2024. He noted that the district is “very closely watching” these declines while formulating the budget.
Ragsdale expressed confidence in the district’s ability to navigate potential financial downturns:
“We’ll be able to weather (a downturn in the taxes collected) because of our conservative budgeting practices that have been in place for many, many years,” he said.
This prudent approach follows the 2024 cancellation of a $50 million event center, a decision influenced by concerns over future tax digest projections. Critics, including former Democratic candidate Andrew Cole, had speculated that the project would resume. However, the current budget, which includes no cost-of-living adjustments for teachers and plans for staff reductions, suggests otherwise.
The district has scheduled two budget hearings: the first occurred on April 24, and the second is set for May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Board member Becky Sayler requested an interactive session regarding the budget. In response, it was noted that she could initiate her own community meeting to facilitate such discussions. CFO Johnson reminded that the entire budget will be available online for public viewing.
A district spokesperson emphasized transparency and community involvement:
“The Cobb Schools budget reflects the priorities of our elected Board of Education and the trust taxpayers place in us to be responsible stewards of public funds.”
“Our dedicated Finance team works closely with every department to ensure spending aligns with the Board’s vision and supports student success. The Board spent several hours publicly reviewing and discussing the proposed budget on Thursday. That open, transparent process will continue over the next 30 days. While only four chose to do so during the first budget hearing, community members are invited to speak and ask questions at official budget hearings.”
At the initial budget hearing, only four individuals provided public comments. Among them, local teacher’s group leader Jeff Hubbard commended the board for a responsible budget that avoids teacher layoffs and urged its approval.
The full budget meeting is available for viewing at the Cobb County School District’s official website.
