Rome City School District launches Parent Partnership Council; student reps report improved focus

Superintendent Anselm announced the launch of the Rome Parent Partnership Council (RPPC), a district forum intended to help families learn about district programs, share information across parent groups and foster open communication.

"We are launching the Rome Parent Partnership Council or RPPC," the superintendent said, urging families to get involved and saying further details will be posted on the district's e‑news. She also said board clerk Sandy Russell will send information to principals.

The initiative is tied to the district strategic plan's emphasis on community-driven learning and aims to build stronger connections between home and school, the superintendent said. The RPPC will also help plan activities such as parent summits designed to help families navigate the school system and access district offerings.

Student board representatives gave brief reports. "I'm Joanna Hampi, one of your two new student board representatives," Hampi said, describing a webinar that helped the student reps understand the legislation establishing student representatives on district boards.

Her colleague Ariel Bortle said changes to the phone rule have already affected school life. "I think it is a wild improvement of both instruction and just overall learning," Bortle said, adding that students appear more attentive and that school spirit is increasing because students feel less anxious about being photographed or posted on social media.

The superintendent said the RPPC will complement the superintendent's student leadership council, which will resume meeting soon to provide students a direct channel to district leadership. The board expects to publish participation details and outreach plans via e‑news and through the board clerk.