Nearly 200 teachers being questioned after walking out of Cobb County superintendent’s speech – Atlanta News First

Nearly 200 teachers being questioned after walking out of Cobb County superintendent’s speech  Atlanta News First

Nearly 200 Cobb County teachers are facing questioning and potential scrutiny after walking out of a district-wide back-to-school kickoff speech by Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Nearly 200 Cobb County teachers are facing scrutiny after walking out of a district-wide back-to-school kickoff speech by Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. According to the Cobb County Association of Educators (CCAE), teachers walked out of the July address after what was expected to be an encouraging speech turned highly political. During the speech, Ragsdale defended controversial decisions, including the district’s recent book removals. Cobb County Association of Educators President Jeff Hubbard said the superintendent’s remarks left educators feeling “defeated, disgusted and disheartened.” Hubbard reports that about 200 teachers who walked out are being pulled from their regular duties to be questioned by administrators.

Officials are reportedly asking the educators two questions: why they chose to leave the speech, and whether they had permission to do so. “We need somebody who is going to build a bridge in this community, restore trust in our education system and protect and respect students, teachers and taxpayers,” said Heather Tolley-Bauer, a Cobb County parent and overseer of the group Watching the Funds-Cobb. “Following a kick-off meeting with all district staff, district leadership has continued conversations with some individual educators. Those conversations ensure alignment, communication, and