We, as citizens of Cobb County, as members of Uniting West Cobb, but most importantly, as parents of West Cobb students, request a public statement from Superintendent Ragsdale, Assistants to the Superintendent, and Board Members, against systemic racism in our country and our community. We believe that everyone in Cobb County School District needs to understand that when there is a problem, we need to openly discuss it, try to find solutions together through open conversation, and finally, take actions to solve it. Ignoring a problem only leads to more problems in the future. We believe we can eradicate racism through education, but first, we all need to recognize it exists. 

Below, are some of the actions we think need to be considered when addressing this issue by Superintendent Ragsdale and his executive cabinet: 

1. A public statement needs to be sent out acknowledging that racial discrimination exists in our society and that the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks in our state, as well as George Floyd in Minneapolis, and many others in the rest of the country, are symptoms of this horrific disease. 

2. In that same statement, the Superintendent recognizes that racism exists in Cobb County Schools, and proceeds to address the problem by scheduling a Town Hall meeting via Zoom before school starts.

3. All Cobb County families, staff and faculty members, are invited to participate in this Town Hall meeting, where a panel discussion will take place.

4. As many major companies have been doing, we suggest that the panel has representation from the Black community. We recommend seven (7) Black members of Cobb County School District. Those members should include: one principal, one teacher, one student, one parent, one parent of a student with disabilities, one staff member, and one Cobb County School District official. 

5. The panel will be conducted by Superintendent Ragsdale or his designee. He/she should only serve as facilitator. 

6. Panelists will talk about systemic racism in our area, and they will share their stories. At the end, they will answer some questions sent by the audience through Zoom chat. 

7. The Superintendent or his designee will close the panel discussion by acknowledging this situation, and by announcing concrete actions such as:
A. Provide consistent cultural relevance, sensitivity and bias training for all employees to increase cultural competence.

B. Seek non-traditional solutions for increasing teacher diversity in all schools and at Cobb County level.

C. Examine the discrepancies in disciplinary outcomes by race.

D. Reevaluate the requirements of standardized test scores as criteria for program admittance.

E. Formally speak out against state level policies (such as voucher bills) that redirect public school funding and contribute to inequalities.

F. Some other actions suggested by the audience will be considered for further discussion.

We truly hope our request is not only heard but implemented. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Only united we can be true to our mission "One Team, One Goal: Student Success” so our vision “a school district of excellence where all students succeed” becomes a reality.

Sincerely,

Uniting West Cobb Executive Board 

Heather Boyle

Kristine Carder

Aileen Cavanaugh

Missy Johnson

Jodi Logan

Daniela Moreno

Mariela Pulido

Detra Rugon

Miatta Smith                                                       

Shon Valdry