ATLANTA – State Representative David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) today expressed concern regarding the Cobb County School District’s recent announcement that it has enlisted former military officers from the intelligence community to gather data on students. Rep. Wilkerson issued the following statement:
“I share the concern of parents about Cobb County School Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s collaboration with a state representative to hire a company tasked with tracking students. It is troubling that members of the Cobb County School Board learned about the hiring of this military intelligence group at the same time as the general public. At the school board meeting on October 17, 2024, parents and board members were informed by individuals, who claimed that they had connections to national intelligence agencies and federal law enforcement, that the former military officers have been working in Cobb schools for several months. However, on October 24, 2024, a Cobb County state representative issued a press release stating he had facilitated the company’s engagement with Cobb schools in September. Further, I strongly disagree with Superintendent Ragsdale’s assertion that board approval is not necessary because state safety grant funds are being utilized.
“Earlier this year, the legislature approved funding for local school districts, resulting in Cobb schools receiving more than $5 million. This funding reflects our bipartisan commitment to protecting our students. However, the $5 million is not the superintendent’s money to spend as he sees fit. As mandated by local policy and state law, when taxpayer funds are used, the details of sensitive contracts can be discussed in executive session, but the contract must be approved in a public meeting.”
Rep. Wilkerson calls on the House Committee on Education to communicate with Superintendent Ragsdale and insist that he and the school board comply with open record laws and the requirement for approved school safety plans.
Representative David Wilkerson represents the citizens of District 38, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Education, Juvenile Justice and Retirement committees.
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