For the fourth consecutive year, the Rome City Schools Board of Education has earned the highest level of recognition from the Georgia School Boards Association, continuing a record of strong governance, collaboration and commitment to the students and staff of Rome City Schools.
The Board of Education earned GSBA’s 2026 Exemplary Governance Team Recognition, the highest level of achievement in the association’s Governance Team Recognition Program.
The honor recognizes governance teams for their commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, transparency and collaboration, all of which support strong district leadership and student success.
Rome City Schools Board Chair Faith Collins said earning the recognition for a fourth consecutive year reflects the Board’s continued commitment to serving the district.
“Earning Exemplary recognition for a fourth consecutive year is something we are extremely proud of as a Board,” Collins said. “This recognition reflects the work we continue to do together to make thoughtful decisions, support our students and staff and help Rome City Schools continue to Move the Needle. We understand the responsibility that comes with serving our community, and we remain committed to doing the work necessary to provide the best opportunities possible for every student.”
Rome City Schools Board of Education members include Board Chair Faith Collins, Vice Chair Will Byington, Toni Blanchard, Brenda Boyd, Pascha Burge, Marquita Davis, and Alvin Jackson.
To earn Exemplary Governance Team Recognition, the Rome City Schools governance team met the criteria established by GSBA. Those criteria reflect standards for effective governance, strategic leadership, accountability and continuous improvement.
Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said four consecutive years of Exemplary recognition demonstrate the consistency of the partnership between the Board and district leadership.
“Strong school systems need strong governance, and our Board continues to provide leadership focused on what is best for our students, employees and community,” Dr. Holland said. “Earning the highest level of recognition from GSBA for four consecutive years demonstrates that commitment. Our Board understands where we want to go as a school system and continues to work alongside our leadership team as we Move the Needle for Rome City Schools.”
The Georgia Board of Education developed state standards for governance that formed the foundation for GSBA’s tiered awards and recognition program. The program provides school boards with opportunities to strengthen their effectiveness and recognizes governance teams that demonstrate high standards of leadership.
The GSBA Governance Team Recognition Program was developed by Georgia superintendents and board members based on the State Board of Education’s standards for effective governance. GSBA was one of the first school board associations in the nation to develop a standards program for local boards of education when it established its program in 1998.