A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Cobb County Board of Elections, ending a three-year legal dispute that sought to alter the makeup of the Cobb County School District’s board. The case, Finn v. Cobb County Board of Elections, was filed in 2022 by organizations including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the ACLU, along with local political groups. The suit alleged discrimination against communities of color and “whitewashing” within the district.
The court found the case moot, stating “the Court remains unpersuaded.” This decision brings closure to an effort that aimed to replace current board members and change district policies.
Cobb Schools Board Chair David Chastain responded to the ruling: “This case was never about Cobb students, families, or schools,” he said. “It was about people, both across the country and here, who want some of the best schools in the state to change dramatically. They’ve been willing to finance a three-year lawsuit, which wastes taxpayer dollars that should have gone to classrooms. I’m proud of our schools and most importantly that Cobb parents and educators will shape the next generation, not national politics.”
According to district officials, six law firms with at least 22 lawyers from Washington D.C., New York, North Carolina, and Georgia represented plaintiffs in the case. The school district prevailed using one local firm and five attorneys.
Throughout this period, school officials say classroom operations continued as usual. They note that Cobb students outperformed their peers statewide on assessments in every subject and grade level. The district also highlighted investments made through Georgia’s BEST program for teacher support and reported being named one of Georgia’s Best Places to Work for seven consecutive years.
District leaders added they have continued efforts to enhance student safety by adding new measures such as Vapor Wake Dogs as part of their security initiative known as Cobb Shield.
Families have shown ongoing support for local schools’ focus on safety and educational achievement rather than legal disputes or outside intervention.
