Ms. Faith Collins

Board Chair - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: fcollins@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2002

Faith Collins, a lifelong Floyd County resident, has been a dedicated member of the Rome City Schools Board of Education since January 2002. Before joining the board, Collins often found herself helping her husband, Bill, an elected official, answer questions about the school district. Her connections within the community and her knack for finding answers inspired her to run for a position on the board, and she was soon elected.

For Collins, one of the most rewarding moments each year is graduation day. She cherishes the joy and pride radiating from students and parents alike, describing it as one of the happiest celebrations in the school district.

Collins considers her years of service an honor and a privilege. She does not take her role for granted, believing deeply in the value of supporting Rome City Schools.

Outside of her board duties, Collins enjoys traveling and exploring new places. She also treasures any time she gets to spend with her grandchildren, who inspire her commitment to the board. Ensuring a bright future for them and all Rome students is, for her, the ultimate motivation.

Mr. Will Byington

Vice Chair - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: board.wbyington@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since September 2016

When a position opened on the Rome City Schools Board of Education, Will Byington saw an opportunity to contribute his insights and support to the district. A proud Rome High graduate, Byington's deep connection to the community is further strengthened by his wife's role as an educator within the system and their two children who attend local schools.

Since joining the board in September 2016, Byington has been an active and engaged member. One of his favorite experiences has been attending Rome High School graduations, where he's had the privilege of celebrating the achievements of students, including those his wife has taught and the children of his friends.

A major highlight for Byington was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Main Elementary School. Witnessing the former students' pride in their new facility was a truly heartwarming moment for him.

When not fulfilling his duties as a school board member, Byington enjoys spending quality time with his family, attending his children's various activities, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Ms. Toni Blanchard

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: toni.blanchard@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since March 2022

Toni Blanchard has always felt called to help those in need. When the opportunity arose to run for the school board, she embraced it wholeheartedly, seeing it as a way to better serve Rome City Schools' students and families.

Blanchard has worked as a probation officer for more than 11 years working to find ways to eliminate the school to prison pipeline for our students. 

Since joining the board in March 2022, Blanchard has focused on ensuring that each child receives a quality education, regardless of their abilities. She often compares education to a fence: some students may need a stool or ladder to climb over it. Her goal is to dismantle that fence entirely, creating equal access so every child can thrive.

She believes that equality is giving every student the same education and that equity is recognizing that each student has different circumstances. She wants to ensure that we allocate the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome for all students.

Blanchard values her role as a board member within a district she views as a family. She appreciates how Rome City Schools show students they are loved and encouraged to succeed. Her most memorable moment as a board member came when she handed her son his diploma upon his graduation from Rome High School.

Outside of her duties, Blanchard loves spending time with her family and working on community service projects. She is also active in her church, participating in both the dance team and praise team.

Ms. Brenda Boyd

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: brenda.boyd@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2026

Brenda Boyd retired in May 2025 after dedicating her 34-year career in education to the service of Rome City Schools. She was a classroom teacher for 11 years and a media specialist for 23 years, at both Southeast Elementary and West End Elementary. She received a B.S. Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Shorter College and an M.Ed. in Media from West Georgia College. 

Proud moments in her career were writing and receiving a Laura Bush Grant for Libraries and being voted Teacher of the Year, both at Southeast Elementary. She loves seeing former students in the community and was always excited to discover when a current student was the child of one of her former students.

She has been married to Tony Boyd, a Captain with the Rome Fire Department, for 35 years.  She is the mother of two Rome High graduates. Her mother, aunt, and both siblings were also Rome City School graduates. She is a proud grandmother of five-year-old Stella. 

Brenda is excited for the opportunity to serve the community on the RCS School Board. She is honored by the trust shown to her by the citizens of Rome in electing her to serve. She has a passion for books, literacy, and libraries. 

She loves Rome City Schools and has dedicated her life to the students of RCS since she stepped into Southeast Elementary as a practicum student in 1990.

Ms. Pascha Burge

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: pascha.burge@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2022

Pascha Burge is an advocate for Education and Community

Pascha Burge joined the Rome City School Board in January 2022, driven by a deep commitment to advocating for students with disabilities and their families. She wanted to ensure they had a strong voice in shaping their educational experiences while providing meaningful support for students and teachers alike. As a mother of three sons, including one with a disability, a proud grandmother, and wife to Marshall Burge, her personal experiences fuel her passion for empowering children and fostering strong connections between schools, families, and the community.

Pascha brings over 25 years of professional experience, including leadership roles as a Project Manager and Sales Coach at AT&T. Her career was defined by mentoring others, managing complex projects, and leading initiatives benefiting organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Rome, Rome City Schools, and local nursing homes. Now retired, she continues to apply her skills as a contract project manager and entrepreneur.

A graduate of Rome High School with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management, Pascha’s dedication is grounded in her faith. She believes true leadership is rooted in service and humility, often reminding others that success comes from using opportunities wisely and working for the collective good. “To truly lead, one must be willing to serve and uplift others, trusting in the divine plan rather than pursuing personal gain,” she says.

Pascha’s passion lies in connecting with students and witnessing their enthusiasm for learning. She takes pride in staying informed about the many accomplishments and positive developments across the district, celebrating the collective success of students and schools. Her community involvement includes teaching Sunday School for over 15 years, leading the Breakfast and Bus Ministry, and playing active roles in the Rome High Football Booster Club and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).

Whether collaborating with teachers, engaging with parents, or supporting students, Pascha remains focused on creating a positive, inclusive educational environment. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, especially cherishing moments with her granddaughter. Guided by her values of integrity, accountability, and stewardship, Pascha strives to inspire others to walk in faith, embrace opportunities, and prioritize what is best for all.

Ms. Marquita Davis

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: m.davis@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2026

Marquita L. Davis serves as a member of the Board of Education and is a proven advocate for student achievement, educational access, and community-centered solutions. Her leadership has been recognized through the Heart of the Community Award of Honor and the conferral of an honorary doctorate degree, reflecting sustained service and measurable impact on students and families. She is widely regarded for translating community needs into practical programs that strengthen academic outcomes and student engagement.

Mrs. Davis has held leadership and advisory roles with several youth and family focused organizations, including Harbor House and CASA, as an ambassador. She served as an Executive Board Member and Youth Advisor for the Rome NAACP, where she organized the city’s first Youth Mock Voter Election, equipping students ages seven through seventeen with early civic knowledge, leadership confidence, and an understanding of their role in the democratic process. She also serves as an executive board member and secretary for the Rome Junior Wolves Athletic Organization and the South Rome Community Association, further demonstrating her passion for the youth and community.

Mrs. Davis founded the South Rome Free Tutoring Program to address academic gaps and improve student performance, providing free, structured academic support to Rome City Schools students in kindergarten through twelfth grade through after school, virtual, and weekend options. She also co-founded the AIM at Main Mentorship Program, which strengthens student outcomes by building leadership skills, confidence, accountability, and personal responsibility. Together, these initiatives focus on improving readiness, persistence, and long-term success for students.

She holds two degrees and eight certifications in Computer and Information Technology, along with additional credentials related to youth development and community engagement. Mrs. Davis also founded 4D Computer Repairs, an initiative that expands educational equity by removing technology barriers for nonprofits, churches, and low-income families. Through this work, she has created pathways for digital literacy, workforce readiness, and youth internships that prepare students with practical skills for a technology-driven economy.

As a Board of Education member, Mrs. Davis applies her hands-on experience to governance by prioritizing student-centered decision making, responsible stewardship of resources, and policies that support academic growth and family engagement. Her work reflects a commitment to listening, collaboration, and data-informed approaches that ensure every student has access to opportunity, support, and high expectations.

Mrs. Davis and her husband, Phillip, have been married for nearly 20 years and are parents of three children. Her leadership is grounded in service, accountability, and a long-term vision focused on student success, educational equity, and a stronger future for the district.

Mr. Alvin L. Jackson

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: aljackson@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2018

Alvin Jackson has been a member of the Rome City Schools Board of Education since January 2018. A lifelong Rome resident and graduate of Main High School, Jackson has always been active in the community and sees his role on the school board as a meaningful way to give back.

Jackson’s motivation for serving stems from his desire to be a voice for those who may feel unheard, including students and families. He is passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and feels that Rome City Schools excels at preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

When not working or engaging with various community organizations, Jackson enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He believes that “it takes a village to raise a child” and encourages the community to come together to make the school system even stronger.

Dr. Eric L. Holland

Superintendent - Rome City Schools

Email: eholland@rcs.rome.ga.us

Dr. Eric L. Holland was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Donalsonville, GA. He is a committed and sincere husband with a committed spouse, Melissa A. Holland. Dr. Holland is a father who leads and serves as a lifelong role model, protector, and provider for his two boys, Eric Jr. (EJ) and Ayden. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fall 1997 at Lambda Psi Chapter (Georgia Southwestern State University); serving as the Polemarch for 3 years.

Dr. Eric L. Holland is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University with a BS & Master in Education (2000 & 2003). In 2006, Holland earned his Specialist in Educational Leadership from Albany State University. In 2009, Holland obtained his Ph.D. from Capella University. In 2021, Dr. Holland obtained an Educational Specialist Degree from The University of Georgia.

Dr. Holland has twenty years of administration experience and twenty-three years of experience as an educator in the public school system. Dr. Holland is very passionate about education. His strengths and competencies in demonstrated skills are in the areas of leadership, relationship building, and maintaining excellence in academics, athletics, and arts. He is competent in creating policies and practices that promote academic achievement, implementing comprehensive athletic programs and training, and creating communication forums that generate parental and community involvement.

Dr. Holland has successfully motivated students and enhanced the interactive learning process, inspiring students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process. He established a highly functioning mentoring program named G.E.N.T.S. (Guide Empower Nurture Transform & Strengthen) our youth. Through his mentoring program, he simply let the students know four words: “I Believe In You.” Through these words and his actions, he hopes to make a difference in the lives of young people. Dr. Holland does not believe in failing. He believes “You either win or you learn.” He is a lifelong learner and loves being involved in the community. He is a member of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Holland’s motto is “No one of us is as great as all of us.”