The Rome City Schools board members met Tuesday during a special session to fill the vacancy of superintendent.

Dr. Eric. L. Holland has been named as the sole finalist.

Holland resigned as principal of Rome High School a week ago to take over as principal of Marietta High School.

Holland, an educator with 23 years of experience, most recently served as principal of Rome High School in Rome, Georgia and Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia.

Holland has previously worked as an administrator with Tift County High School in Tifton and was once named Teacher of the Year at Crossroads Academy in Americus. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in education, both from Georgia Southwestern State University. Holland also holds multiple educational specialist degrees from the University of Georgia, Capella University and Albany State University, and earned his doctorate in leadership in educational administration from Capella University.

Georgia law requires that persons considered for employment as executive head of a government agency, including superintendents of schools, must be named as finalists for a period of 14 days prior to a final vote to hire that individual. Tonight’s vote by the Rome Board of Education named Dr. Holland as its only finalist.

Once approved, Holland will replace former superintendent Louis Byars, who retired on May 31st after serving in the role for five years.