ROME CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION EXTENDS SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT FOLLOWING EXEMPLARY EVALUATION

Media release from Rome, GA City Schools:

The Rome City Schools Board of Education has officially extended the contract of Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland after he received an overwhelmingly positive annual evaluation, including multiple exemplary ratings across the 10 performance standards reviewed by the Board.

Board members praised Dr. Holland for his visionary leadership, steady progress, and unwavering commitment to students, staff, and the Rome community.

“Dr. Holland has led Rome City Schools to new heights,” Board Chair Faith Collins says. “His leadership continues to move our district forward in powerful ways. The Board is proud of the extraordinary progress we’ve made under his direction, and we are excited for what the future holds.” Under Dr. Holland’s leadership, Rome City Schools Board of Education has been named an exemplary school board for three consecutive years and received the Georgia Association of Education Leaders Vision Award.

Unprecedented Growth Across the District

Since Dr. Holland assumed the role of superintendent in September 2022, Rome City Schools has experienced sustained and significant growth across all major performance indicators. Through collaborative leadership and a clear focus on student success, the district has achieved historic milestones, including:

• Marked progress in CCRPI and GMAS results, reflecting strong academic growth;

• Rome High School earned its highest graduation rate at 95.7 percent, the highest number of graduates in district history, 492 graduated from Rome High School, spring of 2025; and the highest pathway completion rate at 87.3 percent, with 1,738 students participating in CTAE classes, and 257 students participating in the Work Based Learning Program, with earned wages of $413,776.

• Rome High School set a record with the largest number of students participating in Dual Enrollment Program: 348 students, taking 936 courses.

• Rome High School recording the largest number of AP Scholars;
  
• SAT and ACT performance above state and national averages;
  
• Multiple state and national school recognitions, including:
  
  • West End Elementary being named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence;
    
  • PBIS Distinguished recognitions across multiple schools;
  • Anna K. Davie being named a CSI Progress School for two consecutive years;
  • Main Elementary being named a CSI Progress School;

• • Main and Rome Middle School Exited the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) List for students with disabilities;
    
  • RMS, Elm Street, and Anna K. Davie earning Math Leader School awards from the Georgia Department of Education;

• • Elm Street receiving the John Hancock Cursive Writing Award;
    
• All eight RCS schools earned the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness.

Rome City Schools has also strengthened support for students and staff by significantly expanding academic and wellness services. Improvements include the addition of mental health therapists, social workers, academic coaches, interventionists, and School Administration Managers, contributing to increased academic achievement and a district-wide retention rate of 90 percent.

The district has also seen a reduction in discipline incidents, bullying, and student-to-staff aggression. Operational improvements have streamlined maintenance and technology ticket response times from four days to just one, and student participation in school nutrition programs has increased by more than five percent for both breakfast and lunch.

A major highlight of this era of progress is the construction of the new Rome Middle School, a transformational capital project that will serve students for generations. Additionally, the district fund balance has increased to over 17 million dollars, providing strong fiscal stability and positioning RCS for long-term success.

Literacy, Safety, and Employees’ Well-Being

Under Dr. Holland’s leadership, Rome City Schools has continued to make meaningful progress across the district, strengthening both student outcomes and staff support. The successful implementation of the Literacy Before Life for Life initiative has led to measurable gains in student achievement and continued progress toward closing learning gaps.

Expanded partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders have enhanced opportunities for students and families. Rome High School graduates now have the opportunity to earn more than 60 scholarships each year from local businesses and organizations—a number that continues to grow annually. Together, these efforts reflect a clear focus on sustainable growth and long-term success for the district.

Through Rome City Schools’ Keep Schools Safe Initiative, all eight district schools earned the Georgia Seal of Preparedness, underscoring a strong commitment to safe and secure learning environments. Dr. Holland also prioritized employee well-being by instituting four self-care days each year, allowing staff dedicated time to recharge. In addition, the district has provided appreciation bonuses for employees, including last year before Spring Break and again this year ahead of Thanksgiving.

A Shared Vision for Continued Excellence

Dr. Holland expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by the Board and the Rome community.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this incredible school district,” Dr. Holland says. “Our progress reflects the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community partners. Together, we have created opportunities that elevate our district and empower every student to reach their highest potential. I am proud of what we have built—and even more excited about where we are headed.”

With a renewed contract, a strong governance team, and a district energized by measurable success, Rome City Schools is poised for continued growth, innovation, and achievement.

Highlighting Rome City School Achievements under Dr. Holland

Since 2022, Dr. Holland has helped lead Rome City Schools through several key moments, including some of the best numbers the school district has seen. Here are some of those highlights:

Student Achievement

• Successfully Implemented the Literacy Before Life for Life Initiative

• Increased Student Performance at Proficient or Distinguished Across All Tested Areas

• Achieved the Highest Number of AP Scholars in School History (123)

• Reached the Highest Graduation Rate in School History (95.7%)

• Achieved the Highest Staff Retention Rate (90%)
• Increased the Number of Pre-Kindergarten Classes, including the District’s First Pre-K Inclusion Class

Staff Development

• Led the School Board to earn GSBA Exemplary School Governance honors for three consecutive years

• Led the district to earn the GAEL Vision Award for three consecutive years

• Implemented the Tuition Assistance Program with Berry College & Kennesaw State University

• Implemented the Paraprofessional to Professional Teacher Program with Shorter University

• Launched the Exemplary Leaders’ Academy and the District’s Professional Learning Plan

Stakeholder Engagement

• Rome/Floyd Chamber

• Board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia
• Rome Rotary

• 100 Black Men of Rome and the Rome NAACP

• Georgia School Superintendents Association Executive Committee

• Georgia High School Association Executive Committee

• Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Committee

• Georgia Basketball Coaches Association Executive Committee
• Launched Rome City Schools’ Parent University with weekly class offerings at the Parent Resource Center
• Launched the Rome City Schools’ Wisdom Academy for retired educators and Engaging Grands for grandparents who care for their grandchildren

Safety and Operations

• Successfully Implemented the Keeping Schools Safe Initiative, Which Led to All Eight Schools Earning the Georgia Safety Seal of Preparedness

• Successfully Implemented placing Opengate detection systems at every elementary school and added more School Resource Officers at Rome High School

• Increased the fund balance by 100%

• Successfully oversaw the construction of the new Rome Middle School and additional classrooms at East Central & West End

• Achieved multiple PBIS Distinguished Recognitions by reducing office discipline referrals for three straight years
• Expanded mental health resources and academic support services
• Opened the Parent Resource Center