Rome City Schools Details Use of COVID Relief Funds and Other Changes

Administrators and the Rome City Schools Board of Education met on Tuesday, April 13th to approve a wide range of changes in programs and funding future projects that will affect the system. 

Board members approved the allocation of CARES funds that school administrators will use to address learning loss and improve the following programs over the next three years. The changes are as follows:

• Expanding the Aspire after school program 
• Expanding the RCS Summer School program 
• Implementation of Saturday school for Rome Middle and High School students 
• After school programs for Rome Middle and High Schools
• Adding an Interventionist to both East Central and West End Elementary Schools 
• Adding paraprofessionals to primary grades (K-2) school faculty (27-28 positions) 
• Adding additional digital subscriptions 

Additionally, CARES funds have been used to purchase 7,000 new Chromebooks for student use, 605 staff computers, seven school buses, and protective equipment and supplies to assist our teachers and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the allocation of Title 1 funds, instructional specialists’ positions will also be added to each school for the 2021-2022 school year. 

These changes are intended to assist both students and teachers in the classrooms across the city school system.

During the meeting, Collin Doss with Harvey-Given Company provided details of the Board approved lease agreement with Midtown Alli Townhomes. This opportunity is provided in hopes of easing the burden of securing housing for new employees of Rome City Schools. Initially, four units will be available on a first come, first serve basis for new hires. Please contact Rome City Schools Central Office with additional questions.

Rome City Schools will also be partnering with Floyd Medical Center to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all students over the age of 16 who wish to be vaccinated. Details of the program will be released after coordinating the effort with Floyd Medical Center healthcare professionals. 

Registration for the RCS Virtual Learning Academy will open on April 19, 2021. Parents and students who are interested in this program will be able to find information regarding the process on system social media pages, or they can speak to an administrator at their school for details.