COBB COUNTY, GA — Some metro Atlanta educators are being questioned by the school district after reportedly leaving Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s kickoff speech early.
Cobb County Association of Educators President Jeff Hubbard said some educators who left the nearly hourlong speech during its final 10 to 12 minutes are being called into meetings with district leaders.
Hubbard said educators are being asked why they left early and whether they had permission to do so.
Ragsdale’s speech touched on several controversial topics, including the removal of certain books from school libraries.
Hubbard said some educators fear the meetings could lead to retaliation.
“All we have been told is that next steps will be addressed next week,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard criticized the district’s response, saying educators should be able to leave a speech without facing questions about their decision.
“These people are adults,” Hubbard said.
“What message are you sending to your employees if you disagree with something if you’re suddenly being called into the carpet because you stepped out in the last 10-12 minutes of a speech,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard said the situation made some educators uncomfortable and sent the wrong message at the start of the school year.
“This should be a joyous event to get people fired up about the beginning of the school year. Instead, many people felt like their professionalism was being attacked,” Hubbard said.
A Cobb County School District spokesperson said leadership is continuing conversations with individual educators to ensure alignment and communication.