Cobb County School District : Cobb Schools Updated Public Health Protocols 2021-2022

Press release from Cobb County School District:

Aug. 20, 2021

Updated on Friday, August 20, 2021

As announced by Superintendent Ragsdale during August’s Board meeting, and based on authority granted to the District through an administrative order by the GADPH, the Cobb County School District has released an update to Cobb's Public Health Protocols.

Specifically, students who are exposed to COVID-19 at school and are asymptomatic may return to school after three days if the parent chooses. Other important details can be found on the District’s COVID-19 page and the District’s updated Public Health Protocols will go into effect on Monday, August 23rd.

In addition, Superintendent Ragsdale reiterated the District’s stance on masks:

Masks are strongly encouraged, but they will remain optional at this time. When looking at school districts that have mask mandates in place, some districts have higher numbers than us, while some have lower numbers than us. Mandatory masking is not without a cost. We recognize that there are negative impacts to school-age children properly wearing a mask during the duration of the school day. The data analysis is obviously very complex during this pandemic. We have made a continuous effort to allow families to have a choice, both in the type of instruction, whether it be face to face or virtual, and in the decision about what is best for their families in regards to masks. We have also encouraged vaccinations but believe it’s also a personal choice for each employee, student, and family to make based on their individual situation. At this time, I do not believe it is appropriate to mandate either decision, which would remove the ability for each family to make the best decision for them as a family."

This pandemic continues to impact students, staff, and families differently throughout the county, and Cobb Schools will continue to update our school protocols accordingly. We remain committed to providing options that support safe, high-quality learning environments for all 110,000 of our students, their families, and our staff.

This press release was produced by Cobb County School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.