Two Rome school board candidates outline priorities at NAACP forum

Jacqueline Nelson, president of the Rome NAACP, opened a "Meet the Candidates" forum on behalf of the Rome NAACP and the Rome City School District, introducing volunteer moderators and explaining time limits before two candidates for the school board took turns outlining their priorities.

Felicia James Williams, a supervisor at Central New York DDSO who said she "oversee[s] a day hab with 52 developmentally disabled adults" supported by 21 staff members, framed her candidacy around student safety and opportunity. "Education is the key to a better future," she said, adding that an experience with her daughter facing bullying motivated her to run. Williams said the board should pursue programs such as career-readiness pathways for students who do not plan to attend college and called for hiring more teachers, counselors and administrators from diverse backgrounds.

Jonathan Roland, who identified himself as a Rome native who works at Rome Labs and volunteers in youth sports and as a firefighter, described himself as a potential "bridge" between families and the board. He emphasized community connection and said the district's strength is its close-knit community. "You have to be able to work together," Roland said, adding that board members must stay present and listen to parents, teachers and students.

Both candidates addressed how they would handle common challenges in schools. On staffing and budgets, Roland said planning and backup options are necessary to protect programs for students with disabilities; Williams noted the importance of federal education funding and warned that reduced federal support could shift the burden to state or county governments. On diversity, equity and inclusion, Williams said it means ensuring a "quality education for all students" and giving educators the tools they need, while Roland likened diversity to "a tree" of branching choices that provides students more options.

Moderators asked eight prepared questions from the Rome City School District and the Rome NAACP, with two audience questions selected by a volunteer; each candidate had two minutes for introductory remarks. Both told the audience they would make themselves available beyond regular board meetings to speak with parents and staff. Williams suggested town halls and school visits; Roland said he would tour schools and be available before and after meetings.

The forum closed with brief two-minute remarks from both candidates and a final thank-you from Nelson, who invited attendees to refreshments to speak with the candidates. No formal endorsements or votes were taken at the event.