Peach Tree Times

State Representative David Wilkerson has voiced concerns over the Cobb County School District's decision to employ former military intelligence officers for data collection on students. In a statement, Rep. Wilkerson highlighted that parents and board members were informed of this collaboration during a school board meeting on October 17, 2024. He pointed out that the public learned about these developments simultaneously with the school board.

Rep. Wilkerson expressed disagreement with Cobb County School Superintendent Chris Ragsdale's approach, noting that a state representative had facilitated the engagement of this company in September without prior board approval. He stated, "I share the concern of parents about Cobb County School Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s collaboration with a state representative to hire a company tasked with tracking students."

Wilkerson also criticized the use of state safety grant funds without proper approval from the school board. He emphasized that taxpayer money should be spent following local policy and state law requirements. "The $5 million is not the superintendent’s money to spend as he sees fit," he remarked.

He called upon the House Committee on Education to ensure compliance with open record laws and necessary approvals for school safety plans by communicating with Superintendent Ragsdale and insisting on adherence to these protocols.