Rome CSD BOE Meeting 10/19/26

The Rome City School District Board of Education meeting on October 19, 2026 included an update on a proposed $31.1 million capital improvement project, described as having no additional taxpayer impact. The district outlined two propositions: the first combines demolition of Staley with gymnasium, multipurpose-space, and cafeteria improvements at KF; the second covers demolition of the RFA stadium grandstands and replacement bleachers, concessions, and bathrooms. The second proposition would proceed only if the first passes. Officials said FEMA requires the Staley demolition as a condition of approximately $19 million in funding; other identified sources include about $1.6 million in insurance recovery, $1.88 million from the voter-approved capital reserve, and $2.2 million in debt service to offset costs while FEMA reimbursements are pending. The district also noted it has accumulated $6.3 million in capital reserves. A further public information session is scheduled for November 17. No capital-project contract awards or procurement votes were recorded.

The board discussed the upcoming budget-development process, including review of program proposals, expenses, tax-levy assumptions, and public forums; insurance costs were expected to rise, but no budget allocations were approved. Members also considered options for filling a vacant board seat, including a special election estimated to cost $17,000–$20,000, but made no decision in the portion provided. Other votes included approval of the consent agenda, a combined varsity wrestling program with Clinton Central, and representatives to the facilities improvement committee; these were not identified as contract or purchasing awards.