-Rome City Schools-
More than 800 Rome City Schools employees gathered Monday morning at the Rome City Auditorium to celebrate the start of the 2026-2027 school year and embrace a simple but powerful challenge: Move the Needle.
Teachers, administrators, and support staff arrived aboard school buses and were welcomed by the Rome High School Marching Band, Rome High cheerleaders, Willie the Wolf, and Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland, who greeted employees as they entered the auditorium. Throughout the morning, district leaders, community partners, and keynote speaker Willie Spears encouraged staff members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students during the upcoming school year.
“The theme, Move the Needle, isn’t just something printed on a T-shirt,” Dr. Holland told the audience. “It’s who we are. Every day, in every classroom, on every bus, in every cafeteria, and in every office, we have an opportunity to move the needle for our students. That’s what Rome City Schools has always been about.”
Rome Board of Education Chair Faith Collins welcomed employees on behalf of the Board of Education and thanked them for the important role they play in helping students succeed.
“This year’s theme, Move the Needle, is a reminder that progress happens through the work each of us does every single day,” Collins said. “Whether you’re teaching a lesson, driving a bus, preparing a meal, greeting a family, or supporting a colleague, you have the opportunity to make a difference.”
Several community leaders also addressed teaches, expressing appreciation for the work they do throughout the year.
“Rome is a great place to be, and you are doing a fabulous job in all of these schools,” Rome Mayor Jim Bojo said. “Let’s have fun all the way to the last day of school. Thank you for giving the children of Rome your time and talents, and go Wolves.”
Rome Police Chief Denise Downer McKinney, a graduate of Rome City Schools, spoke about the special place the school system continues to hold in her family’s life.
“I have to say how great it is to be a part of the Rome City School system,” Downer McKinney said. “I’m proud because I graduated from Rome City Schools. My siblings and my children graduated from Rome City Schools, and my grandchildren are in the school system. Rome City Schools has always held a special place in my heart. Thank you for your dedication and your commitment.”
Atrium Health Floyd CEO Kurt Stuenkel highlighted the healthcare system’s longstanding partnership with the district.
“We are proud to be a longtime partner of Rome City Schools,” Stuenkel said. “It started with athletic training services and has grown to include school nurses, telemedicine, an on-site clinic at Rome High School, and behavioral health telehealth services. We are proud to support the students, staff, and families of Rome City Schools.”
Nationally recognized educator and motivational speaker Willie Spears returned as the event’s keynote speaker this year, using humor and stories from his two decades in education to encourage employees to invest in every student.
Holding a packet of seeds during his presentation, Spears compared students to seeds that require patience, encouragement, and consistent care before they flourish.
“Sometimes you may have a student who just doesn’t seem to care or doesn’t seem to get it,” Spears said. “You may think you can’t move the needle with that student, but give them time. They can change. You’ve changed.”
Spears also praised Rome City Schools for the enthusiasm and support shown to employees.
“You can look up my videos, and I promise you no one goes all out like Rome City Schools,” Spears said, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
During the celebration, Dr. Holland presented commemorative red jackets and service rings, courtesy of Herff Jones, to employees with 30 or more years of service. Those recognized included Aquila Askew of Rome Middle School, Karen Ehrler of Rome High School, Michelle Nichols of East Central Elementary, Buffi Murphy of the Central Office, Jennifer Perkins of the Central Office, and Shannon Roper of Anna K. Davie Elementary.
Murphy also recognized schools for outstanding achievements during the 2025-2026 school year. West Central Elementary earned the district’s Best Overall Staff Attendance Award with a 96.99 percent attendance rate for the second consecutive year, while Anna K. Davie Elementary was recognized for the district’s highest staff retention rate at 94 percent. Elm Street Elementary received honors for having the district’s highest Cognia School Climate and Culture rating, and Elm Street Elementary and Main Elementary were recognized for Excellence in the Workplace after reporting no employee accidents during the school year.
Dr. Holland also recognized several Rome City Schools educators who recently earned master’s degrees, applauding their commitment to continued professional growth.
Employees also viewed three videos produced by the Rome City Schools Communications Department, including a recap of the 2025-2026 school year, a video featuring teachers and principals discussing how they plan to move the needle this year, and an inspirational story highlighting Rome High School math teacher Ron Hyde’s journey from the banking industry into education after the passing of his mother, a former Rome City Schools paraprofessional.
The celebration concluded with a spirited competition led by the Rome High cheerleaders. Rome High School captured the overall spirit competition, while Elm Street Elementary won the dance competition. Employees then linked arms across the auditorium to sing the Rome High School alma mater, officially launching the 2026-2027 school year together.
