As the Cobb County School District reflects on 2025, district leaders and community members highlight a year marked by academic achievements, financial stability, and new safety initiatives.
The district’s Class of 2025 achieved a graduation rate of 89.2%, the highest in its history. This milestone reflects the combined efforts of students, teachers, and families. In addition to improved graduation rates, Cobb students surpassed state averages on both the ACT and SAT exams, continuing a trend that places the district ahead of neighboring areas.
Financial management remained strong for Cobb Schools in 2025. The district retained triple-A credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, Kroll Credit Rating Agency, and Standard & Poor’s for the fifth consecutive year. Board Chair David Chastain commented: “Receiving a AAA rating from all three agencies for the fifth year in a row is incredibly humbling,” adding that it assures families their tax dollars are managed wisely.
Recognition also extended to educators. Amanda Dillard from Pope High School was named District Teacher of the Year for her work in special education and as an esports coach. Each school honored its own Teacher of the Year during an annual rally attended by students.
Student achievements were celebrated throughout the year as well. National Signing Day saw student-athletes commit to collegiate sports programs, while 65 students earned recognition as National Merit Semifinalists for academic excellence.
Cobb Schools continued its partnership with the University of West Georgia through Georgia’s BEST program, which allows educators to pursue advanced degrees while working in classrooms. The program celebrated its first class of doctoral graduates this year; overall, 530 educators have completed degrees through this initiative.
Forbes named Cobb Schools one of Georgia’s Best Places to Work for a seventh consecutive year in 2025. The district’s reputation contributed to Cobb County being ranked among America’s top five communities to live in.
In terms of safety measures, Cobb introduced Vapor Wake dogs across schools to help detect firearms before incidents occur. These dogs are trained not only for security but also interact positively with students and staff. Based on positive results reported by teachers and administrators, eight additional Vapor Wake dogs were approved by the board this year, bringing the total to sixteen.
Several stories highlighted individuals going beyond expectations within Cobb Schools during 2025. A Veterans Day event at Kemp Elementary featured a surprise reunion between fourth grader Amare Gore and his father Master Sgt. Osei Gore after six months apart due to military deployment—a moment that drew national attention.
Educators shared personal experiences during Breast Cancer Awareness Month; some continued teaching while undergoing treatment so that students’ learning would not be disrupted. Students also demonstrated commitment: Logan Richardson, an eighth-grader at Mabry Middle School, received recognition after administering CPR to save his grandmother’s life over summer break.
Career-readiness remained a focus with programs such as those offered at Osborne High School through the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA), where students take courses like HVAC and carpentry. Construction began on another CITA location at Allatoona High School this year using Ed-SPLOST funding.
Teachers provided unique learning opportunities throughout 2025—from STEM lessons involving flights with teachers piloting planes to elementary economics taught via pizza-making activities—demonstrating ongoing efforts toward engaging instruction across grade levels.
Looking forward into 2026, district officials reaffirmed their commitment under the motto: “One Team. One Goal. Student Success.”
