Cobb County School District uses fiscally conservative principles of finance to achieve three of the strongest credit ratings in the nation, ultimately providing more value and reducing the tax burden for its citizens. Host David Owen invites Chief Financial Officer Brad Johnson to discuss the intricacies of managing a $1.6 billion budget and the various departments within finance that ensure accountability and transparency. Johnson highlights the importance of stringent internal controls, the separation of purchasing and finance duties, and the significant role of employee salaries in budget allocations. The conversation also covers the district's proactive approach to economic downturns, including the management of idle funds through strategic investments. With over 40 years of awards and a decade without audit findings, Cobb County's finance team demonstrates a commitment to excellence that directly benefits students, teachers, and taxpayers alike.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Funding Student Success in Cobb
• 01:50 - Understanding Cobb School District's Financial Management
• 05:12 - Understanding the Budget Cycle
• 13:59 - The Impact of Financial Management in Cobb Schools
• 18:20 - Financial Accountability and Audits

Guest: Brad Johnson, Chief Financial Officer

Useful links from the podcast:

• Cobb Schools Finance Dashboard
• Financial Services

Podcast Home:

https://the-inside-scoop.captivate.fm/

Cobb Schools on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/@TheRealCobbSchools

Give us a review:

https://www.podchaser.com/TheInsideScoop

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https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VYTRCLG

Cobb Sports Podcast:

https://cobb-sports.captivate.fm/episodes

The Cobb County School District:

https://www.cobbk12.org

Takeaways:

• Cobb County School District has a $1.6 billion budget that prioritizes classroom instruction over administrative costs.
• The finance department employs only ten people to manage payroll for over 19,000 employees, showcasing efficiency.
• Cobb's fiscal conservatism has led to three AAA credit ratings, unmatched by other public school districts.
• The budget cycle begins in October and ends with board approval in May, ensuring transparency.
• Over 94% of the district's budget is spent on salaries and benefits for educators and staff.
• Cobb County has not had an audit finding in ten years, demonstrating robust financial practices.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Georgia Municipal Association
• Moody's
• Standard and Poor's
• Kroll

This week's episode of The Inside Scoop dives deep into the crucial topic of safety in Cobb County schools. Former principal and now Assistant Superintendent of School Safety Operations, Josh Morreale, shares his extensive experience and insights into the evolving landscape of school safety over his 27-year career. He discusses the critical partnership between school administrators and the Cobb Schools police department, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration in maintaining a secure environment for students and staff. Morreale highlights the significant advancements in technology and awareness that have transformed safety protocols since the early 2000s, particularly after pivotal events that shaped school safety policies. Listeners will gain valuable understanding of the proactive measures in place and the community's role in ensuring a safe educational atmosphere.

Guest: Josh Morreale, Assistant Superintendent of School Safety Operations

Click on a timecode to jump to the topic:

Chapters:

• [00:00] - Introduction to Safety in Cobb Schools
• [00:21] - Understanding School Safety Operations
• [07:30] - The Evolution of School Safety
• [11:10] - Investigating Threats in Schools
• [15:40] - Maintaining School Safety: Roles and Strategies
• [18:42] - Safety Initiatives in Education

(If the timecode links above don't work in your podcast player, visit "Podcast Home" below.)

Useful links from the podcast:

• Cobb Shield - This page contains info about Vector Alert, a resource for reporting safety concerns.
• Cobb Schools Police Department

Podcast Home:

https://the-inside-scoop.captivate.fm/

Video Podcast on YouTube:

The Inside Scoop on YouTube

Give us a review:

https://www.podchaser.com/TheInsideScoop

Here's the link to let us know what you'd like to hear:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VYTRCLG

Cobb Sports Podcast:

https://cobb-sports.captivate.fm/episodes

The Cobb County School District

Takeaways:

• The safety of students is a top priority that requires constant planning and collaboration.
• Cobb schools have evolved their safety strategies significantly since the early 1990s, focusing on various threats.
• Every safety tip received is thoroughly investigated to ensure the protection of students and staff.
• A strong partnership exists between school administrators and the police department for effective safety operations.
• Technological advancements have greatly improved the capabilities for maintaining school safety since 27 years ago.
• The 'See Something, Say Something' initiative empowers everyone to contribute to school safety efforts.

With the application window opening in January, this podcast from a couple of years ago still offers some helpful key information. That's why we offer you this "Double Scoop"!

This podcast delves into the various options available for parents seeking to transfer their children to schools outside their designated attendance zones. David Owen speaks with Cobb's Director of Policy and Planning, Darryl York, who explains the intricacies of school attendance policies, including how attendance zones are determined based on geographical and population factors. They discuss different methods through which students can attend schools other than their zoned ones, such as special education programs, magnet schools, and the school choice program. Listeners will learn about the application process for school choice, including important timelines and criteria for eligibility. The episode aims to clarify the complexities surrounding school transfers and provide valuable insights for parents navigating these decisions.

Guest: Darryl York, Director of Policy & Planning

Useful links from the podcast:

• ParentVUE Information
• How To Apply for a Student Transfer
• Student Transfers - (For all types of transfer needs)
• School Choice Transfers

Podcast Home:

https://the-inside-scoop.captivate.fm/

Video Podcast on YouTube:

The Inside Scoop on YouTube

Give us a review:

https://www.podchaser.com/TheInsideScoop

Here's the link to let us know what you'd like to hear:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VYTRCLG

Cobb Sports Podcast:

https://cobb-sports.captivate.fm/episodes

The Cobb County School District

Takeaways:

• Cobb County has specific attendance zones based on various geographical and demographic factors.
• Students can apply for transfers to schools outside their attendance zones under certain conditions.
• Parents must provide their own transportation for students attending schools on approved transfers.
• The school choice application process opens every February, allowing parents to select three schools.
• Siblings of students already on a transfer can automatically qualify for the same school.
• Cobb County aims to accommodate as many school choice requests as possible based on available capacity.