Rome City Schools Board of Education held a retreat on Friday, Dec. 6 at Rome High School’s College and Career Academy. The retreat consisted of board training along with several discussion topics.
The board began the morning with training from Dr. Samuel King, the Director of Board Development and Superintendent Search Services for the Georgia School Board Association. Dr. King covered numerous topics about the board making sure that the priorities with the board are to ensure excellence for not only the board but for teachers and students in the system.
The Board of Education was recently recognized as a GSBA Exemplary Board.
After the morning training, the board heard from the school district attorney Chris Twyman about House Bill 581 and the possible ramifications it has for the city schools.
Director of Finance Greg Studdard led a budget discussion with the board showing that the Rome City Schools reserve fund continues to grow. He also talked about sending out information to all Rome City School employees about taxes since tax season is fast approaching.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Barbara Patrick-Lashley spoke to the board about the district’s Literacy Before Life for Life Initiative and how all schools are working to make good progress.
John Fricks, Director of Instructional Technology, Safety, and Operations, discussed the progress being made with Rome City Schools’ Keep Schools Safe Initiative.
The day ended with Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland highlighting a few key elements including the district organization chart, the school year calendar proposal for 2025, the facilities plans, and talking about the system's strategic mental health overview.
The retreat featured lots of discussion between board members, Dr. Holland and Dr. Lashley.
“When you have seven people and seven different opinions it can be tough, but Dr. Holland does an excellent job when it comes to working with us individually and as a group. He does a good job as the superintendent. We may have differences of opinions sometimes, but he always does his very best,” Board Chair Faith Collins said after the meeting. “I thought we had a great agenda today, and we were able to focus on making sure that we are keeping students first. Overall, the whole day was a good day with lots of great discussion.”