Decisions made by the school board impact the safety, academics, and the future of every child in the Rome City School System. On Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM, community members will have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates who will help
shape those decisions.
The Rome City School Board Candidate Forum will take place at the Rome Area History Center (305 Broad Street, Rome, GA). The event is free and open to the public, and will also be streamed live at facebook.com/BridgingTheDivides.
Attendees will:
● Hear from the candidates about their vision for Rome City Schools
● Engage with the community in meaningful conversation
● Learn what’s at stake as the next school board shapes policies for local students
This year’s forum is moderated by Dan Bevels and will feature invited candidates Toni Blanchard, Brenda Boyd, Pascha Burge, Will Byington, Faith Collins, Marquita Davis, Karl Gyden, Alvin Jackson, and Ron Roach.
“Our Kids. Our Schools. Our Choice.” Will be the guiding theme of this year’s forum. Reflecting on the impact of past forums, community leader Candice Spivey shared, “I’ve seen firsthand how effective these forums are in giving citizens direct access to those seeking office.
Year after year, they provide a space for accountability, for clarity, and for building trust between our schools and our community.”
This event is made possible through the support of community sponsors including One Community United, The People’s Agenda, the NAACP, and the League of Women Voters.
Save the date, October 2 at 6:00 PM, and join your neighbors for an evening of dialogue, vision, and community commitment.
For more information or questions, please call 706.973.0813.
