August 28, 2026 — From record-breaking graduation rates and nationally top-rated schools to more than 40 combined state championships last year alone, it's easy to see how Cobb Schools stands out among the rest.

Cobb achieves those results while maintaining one of the lowest per-pupil expenses among metro Atlanta school districts, reflecting the district's commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.  

“Being good financial stewards doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a team of people making thoughtful decisions, careful planning, and a commitment year after year to make the most of every dollar our community gives us—and turn that into the high-quality education our families expect," said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn.

In Cobb, District leadership understands that families want to know how their tax dollars are being used. That's why the community has access to a finance dashboard that details how the district invests in Cobb schools and students.

The numbers highlight an important fact. In Cobb, 94% of the budget is invested in people, not programs. 

That commitment to investing in people is reflected in programs like Georgia’s BEST and some of the highest teacher salaries in the state, helping ensure that more of those dollars directly support the educators and students at the heart of Cobb Schools.

Putting Voter-Approved Funds to Work for Students

The investment in people comes from the District's operating budget, while investments in facilities and capital improvements come from voter-approved Ed-SPLOST funds. 

The brand-new CITA location at Allatoona High School is one example of Ed-SPLOST dollars at work. Like the first CITA location at Osborne, the career academy gives students the chance to learn valuable skills and earn certifications that lead to careers right after they graduate. 

Ed-SPLOST dollars also support school additions and renovations, infrastructure improvements, athletic facilities, technology and academic upgrades, and safety and security enhancements across the district. From the rebuild of Sprayberry High School and modifications to Bells Ferry Elementary School to HVAC and roofing replacements, Ed-SPLOST dollars flow to every Cobb school.

Independent performance audits provide an additional layer of accountability by reviewing how Cobb manages and uses Ed-SPLOST funds. This approach helps keep the annual operating budget focused on the classrooms, teachers, and students.

The Best Education at the Best Price

As the second-largest school district in Georgia, Cobb Schools consistently outperforms the state average and nearby metro districts on state and national assessments and other notable academic benchmarks.

What that means: In Cobb, student success and responsible spending go hand in hand.

When comparing Cobb spending to other Atlanta metro Districts where students lag behind Cobb students, paying more per student does not translate into increased student success. Some districts that trail Cobb academically spend between $1,200 and more than $10,000 more per student than Cobb.

Bottom line: Cobb Schools spends its money more wisely and gets more out of it than other districts.

When budgets are tight and tough spending decisions must be made, Cobb’s financial discipline helps the district continue investing in student success.

Another example of Cobb's financial strength is the district's recognition as one of the nation's best financially managed school districts. All three major credit rating agencies—Moody’s Investor’s Service, S&P Global Ratings, and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA)—have affirmed Cobb’s highest possible long-term credit ratings: Aaa from Moody’s and AAA from S&P and KBRA.

These ratings reflect Cobb's strong financial management and ability to responsibly manage taxpayer funds. This exceptional standing can reduce borrowing costs, allowing more resources to support classrooms and Cobb students.

While other metro Atlanta school districts are considering or approving higher millage rates, the Cobb Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale have continued Cobb’s longstanding record of millage-rate stability. In 2024, the district went a step further, lowering the rate from 18.90 mills to 18.70 mills, where it remains today—another example of deliberate financial decisions focused on responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

For Cobb families, the takeaway is clear: strong student results, responsible spending, and a continued commitment to making every taxpayer dollar count.