Dear Rome Families, Employees, and Community,
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to share an important update about the future of our schools and our community.
Over the past several months, the Board of Education and District leadership have carefully reviewed our most pressing facility needs. We have also listened to our community and heard your concerns about responsible spending, prioritizing the needs that matter most, and protecting taxpayers.
We know we cannot address every facility need at once. We must prioritize, plan responsibly, and focus on the needs that require our attention now.
That is the purpose of the proposed Rome Capital Improvement Project 2026.
Key Priorities
The proposed project focuses on three priorities:
Creating additional educational space for our students, now and for the future
Improving safety and accessibility
Using available resources responsibly while working to avoid an additional tax impact on taxpayers
Capital Improvement Project Vote
December 8, 2026
The Rome City School District will hold a Capital Improvement Project vote on Tuesday, December 8, 2026.
There will be two propositions on the ballot. Voters will consider each proposition individually. The proposed projects reflect recommendations from the District’s architect and information gathered through the District’s facilities assessment and survey.
The two propositions are also connected. Proposition 2, which addresses improvements to the RFA Stadium grandstand, is dependent upon approval of Proposition 1, which includes improvements to Clough Elementary School and demolition of the former George R. Staley Elementary School.
Proposition 1
Clough Elementary School Improvements & Staley Demolition
Proposed Project Cost: $23,151,555
This proposition includes:
Additional multipurpose spaces at Clough Elementary School, including:
A new gymnasium and auditorium
A new cafeteria and kitchen
New locker rooms
A connecting hub designed to provide a future connection point for potential additions to the building
Associated site improvements
Demolition of the former George R. Staley Elementary School
Why is this needed?
The permanent closure of Staley Elementary following the 2021 flooding displaced approximately 582 students to other schools across the District. This has contributed to ongoing space challenges.
The proposed improvements at Clough would provide additional space to support instruction, physical education, student activities, performances, and community gatherings.
The project also includes a connecting hub designed to provide a future connection point for potential additions to the building. This approach would allow the District to address current needs while keeping future growth and changing needs in mind.
Because the former Staley building is located in a flood zone, continued use of the building as an educational facility is not considered a viable option, consistent with the recommendation of the District’s architect. Demolition is also a condition of receiving FEMA reimbursement, based on communications received from representatives of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Proposition 2
RFA Stadium Grandstand Improvements
Proposed Project Cost: $7,951,375
This proposition includes:
Demolition of the existing RFA Stadium grandstand
A new bleacher seating system
ADA-accessible facilities
A new press box
Concession and restroom facilities
Related site improvements
Why is this needed?
The existing RFA Stadium grandstand has deteriorated and has been closed to public use due to safety concerns. The District’s architect has recommended replacing the grandstand rather than repairing it. Replacement would address the existing safety concerns while preserving the stadium complex and the investments already made at the site.
RFA Stadium serves our students and community in many ways. In addition to athletics, it is the District’s preferred location for large school-wide events and graduation. It also supports track and field and other community activities.
The proposed improvements would provide a safer, more accessible, and more functional space for students, families, employees, and community members.
What About the Cost to Taxpayers?
We know this is one of the most important questions for our community.
The District is working to structure the proposed capital improvement project so that it can be completed without an additional tax impact to taxpayers.
The District is evaluating a combination of available resources, including:
New York State building aid
FEMA/NYSEMO and insurance recovery funds
Existing capital reserve funds
Available District funds and debt service resources
The District will continue to review available funding, state aid, federal resources, and other financing opportunities as the project is further developed.
Our goal is to address these important facility needs while avoiding an additional tax impact to our community. Since financing, aid, and project details continue to be refined, the District will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Why Now?
The proposed project addresses facility needs identified through the District’s facilities assessment and survey and recommended by the District’s architect.
The former Staley building cannot be used as a school and needs to be demolished.
The RFA Stadium grandstand has been closed because of deterioration and safety concerns and requires replacement.
The loss of Staley has created ongoing space challenges throughout the District.
At the same time, we recognize that Rome has many other facility needs.
This project represents one step in a longer-term facilities plan. The District will continue to assess our buildings, identify future priorities, and pursue available state and federal funding opportunities.
Your Voice Matters
The December 8 vote gives our community an opportunity to learn about the proposed projects and make an informed decision about the future of our schools.
Between now and December, the District will continue sharing information about:
What each proposition includes
Why the work is needed
How the proposed projects would support students and our community
Safety and accessibility improvements
How the projects are proposed to be financed
The anticipated timeline
Voting information
We encourage families, employees, and community members to ask questions, attend an information session, and review the available information before the vote.
Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information and meaningful opportunities for our community to understand the proposed projects and the decisions before them.
Community Information Sessions
The District will host two community information sessions where residents can learn more about the proposed capital improvement project, ask questions, and hear directly from District representatives and the partners supporting the capital project.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Connected Community Schools
207 N. James Street
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
6:00 p.m.
RFA Small Auditorium
95 Dart Circle
Information will also continue to be available on the District’s 2026–2027 Capital Improvement Project webpage, where community members can access project information and future updates.
Building for Rome’s Future
Our schools are more than buildings. They are places where children learn and grow, teachers inspire possibility, families come together, and our community builds connections.
The proposed Capital Improvement Project is intended to address important facility needs while using available resources responsibly and planning thoughtfully for the future.
More educational space. Safer and more accessible facilities. Responsible use of available resources.
And a continued effort to avoid an additional tax impact to our community.
We invite our community to learn more, ask questions, and be part of this important conversation.
The future of our schools belongs to all of us, and we look forward to continuing this work together.
This newsletter presents factual information about the proposed capital project and the related propositions to be considered by District voters. It is not intended to advocate for or against either proposition. Voters are encouraged to review the available information and exercise their independent judgment when voting on December 8.
Thank you for your continued partnership, your questions, and your commitment to the children of Rome. We look forward to continuing this conversation with you throughout the months ahead.
Together, we are building for the future of Rome.
Sincerely,
Ms. Nerlande Anselme
Superintendent of Schools
Rome City School District
View our informational flyer here.