Rome City School District (CSD) is proposing $31.1 million in school facility improvements through the 2026 Capital Improvement Project. The project addresses important building and facility needs while using available funding to complete the proposed work with no additional tax impact for Rome taxpayers.
Residents will vote on two separate propositions on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Each proposition will be considered individually.
What is Being Proposed?
The proposed project includes two propositions:
· Proposition 1: Clough Elementary School Improvements and Staley Demolition: $23,151,555
· Proposition 2: Rome Free Academy (RFA) Stadium Grandstand Improvements: $7,951,375
Together, the two propositions represent approximately $31.1 million in proposed improvements.
How Will the Project Be Funded?
The district has developed a financing plan that uses several existing funding sources to complete the proposed improvements with $0 additional tax impact for Rome taxpayers.
These sources include:
· Approximately $19.6 million in federal and state disaster recovery funding related to the 2021 flooding of the former Staley Elementary School.
· New York State building aid.
· Insurance recovery funds.
· Existing capital reserves.
· Existing funds used to pay debt service.
The disaster recovery funding is an important part of the plan. It comes with specific requirements and deadlines that the district must meet to remain eligible for reimbursement. The proposed project includes steps needed to meet those requirements.
By combining these funding sources, the district’s plan is designed to address important facility needs without an additional tax impact.
Learn More and Ask Questions
Rome CSD encourages residents to learn about the proposed project, understand the funding plan, and get answers to their questions before the December vote.
Visit the Rome Capital Improvement Project webpage for project details, information about each proposition, funding information, frequently asked questions, renderings, and voting locations.
Upcoming Dates:
Community Information Session
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Rome Free Academy Small Auditorium
Residents are invited to attend the district’s second Community Information Session to learn more about the proposed project, ask questions, and hear directly from district representatives and project partners.
Capital Improvement Project Vote
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Voting locations are organized by ward and are available on the district’s Capital Improvement Project webpage.
Rome City School District is committed to providing clear, factual information so residents can understand the proposed improvements, how the project would be funded, and what each proposition includes.
This release provides factual information about the Rome Capital Improvement Project 2026. It is intended to inform the public and does not advocate for or against either proposition.