I attended and spoke at the Cobb County Board Meeting on 9/23/21 and it was another look into the state of our county, our country, and the collateral damage – our kids.
As usual, I walk away shocked, concerned, and a combination of dejected and hopeful at the same time. Last night was a spectacle to say the least but I walked away with a win (for now).
I prepared and delivered a 2:00 public comment to which I was heckled and booed (see video).
Remarkably, the hate was coming from the same people holding signs that said things like “hate is hate” and “no room for hate in Cobb County”, who were there to be heard about recent anti-semitic graffiti at two local high schools. While those incidents are tragic and unacceptable, sadly, those individuals acted like unruly, disrespectful children, spewing the very thing they were outraged about. Meanwhile, myself and my group sat and listened to all of the speakers with respect, even when we didn’t agree with them.
The meeting also contained a surprise update from the superintendent which was very good news. However, it wasn’t good enough for some of the board members. Surprisingly, it resulted in three board members picking up and walking out of the meeting which was quite alarming and the equivalent of a tantrum.
The Meeting
Here is the breakdown of the meeting so that you can skip to the parts if you desire.
My comments on some of the topics are below the video…
5:08 Recognition of Holocaust survivor Herschel Grenbhat (I apologize if this is incorrect spelling, it was hard to hear)
32:22 Kimberly Roberto’ Public Comment (listen for heckling)
53:39 A particularly hateful Public Comment I found disturbing
58:19 Amy Buchanan Public Comment (listen for heckling)
1:03:30 Ragsdale’s official statement on antisemitic graffiti
1:07:38 Ragsdale’s COVID Update (surprising and refreshing)
1:36:22 Ragsdale announces Wellness Week where he is giving all school employees the week of fall break off
1:38:17 Jaha Howard challenges the superintendent and the chaiman
1:38:57. Ragsdale responds
1:40:18 Jaha Howard collects his belongings and leaves. Charisse Davis and Tre Hutchins quickly follow
You can watch the entire school board meeting here: https://web.cobbk12.org/page/8993/watch-meetings-online
SHAMEFUL: Anti-semetism at Pope and Lassiter High Schools
The board meeting was crowded with a new group that hasn’t been there before. It was those outraged by the incidents that happened at Pope and Lassiter High Schools where anti-semitic symbols and graffiti was found in bathrooms. LET ME BE CLEAR – this is horrible, despicable, and should not be tolerated! One of my very best friends is Jewish and is from Israel. I am very sensitive to this issue. It is heartbreaking that anyone would do this.
Sadly, those who came to make public comment and to support the cause left the meeting right after the public comment section and missed the superintendents comments on the matter. One of many questions is, “why do you show up at a board meeting to be heard and to be in the know about what is going on and leave the meeting before it is over?” In his comment (that they all missed), Ragsdale stated:
At the beginning of the meeting, they brought up a Holocaust survivor to honor which was heart warming and moving. I cannot imagine what seeing this type of hateful act does to a man like him. I, like the other people there to protest, am outraged that anyone would do such a horrible act. I hope they are punished to the fullest extent!
SURPRISING: Superintendent Ragsdale Delivers a Covid Update
Superintendent Ragsdale delivered a surprising and unexpected update on COVID-19. I felt a bit redeemed because he reiterated many of the points I made in my comment: the mainstream media, the board of health’s ridiculous emergency meeting, the fear mongering, the real data, and the impact on children and learning.
The data is clear that mask mandates did not impact results, cases are dramatically down, and more…
You can watch his comments in the video at 1:07:38 and or read more here: https://www.cobbk12.org/_ci/p/54621
Here are the slides he referenced.
SHOCKING: Elected Board Members WALK OUT of Meeting
I was astonished that Jaha Howard challenged the superintendent by saying they were not informed this was going to happen and demanded a Q&A. Ragsdale stated that he wanted to present the data, give the board time to digest it and then have an open discussion. Howard did not like the answer so he gathered his belongings and walked out of the still on-going meeting, followed by Charisse Davis and Tre Hutchins. It was an immature display and I was shocked that grown adults and elected officials would have the audacity to walk out.
I was also shocked that these board members weren’t EXCITED to hear this information. It was great news. Cases are down, making masks optional was the right decision, our school system fared very well comparatively, and 99% of the children and staff are covid free! Instead, they want to be right, to make some sort of argument that the numbers are incorrect, and that the mainstream narrative should supersede the actual outcomes. It is confounding!
It also occurred to me that Superintendent Ragsdale has to endure barbs from fellow Board Members and a barrage of negative comments from public commenters every single meeting but he does not get up and walk out. It was an unacceptable maneuver by elected officials. If you don’t like it, follow the process, or resign.
I, personally, will do everything in my power to help ensure that they are not re-elected.
NEED MORE INFORMATION: Wheeler High School Plea for a Name Change on the basis of Joseph Wheeler was Racist and Promoted Slavery
Another group of commenters were there as well that I hadn’t seen before and those were students from Wheeler High School pleading with the board for a name change to their school. I have to admit that I was ignorant on the subject but I am curious and will do some more digging on this. Initially, I realized that this platform goes along with many other efforts to remove all confederate statues and namesakes but I I will do more research.
I do agree that the board should, at a minimum, acknowledge these students and give them an answer. However, I have sent numerous emails and never received responses either.
Conclusions
I am a bit all over the place with my thoughts and feelings but overall, I have even more resolve to keep showing up, to keep fighting, and to keep truth telling.
To see the anger, hatred, and division is heartbreaking and takes a toll. I have to decompress after these experiences and take some time to rest and recharge.
I believe God is in control and that HE always wins. I also believe that we must not sit by when there are injustices happening around us.
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.