Ms. Faith Collins

Board Chair - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: fcollins@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2002

Faith Collins, a lifelong Floyd County resident, has been a dedicated member of the Rome City Schools Board of Education since January 2002. Before joining the board, Collins often found herself helping her husband, Bill, an elected official, answer questions about the school district. Her connections within the community and her knack for finding answers inspired her to run for a position on the board, and she was soon elected.

For Collins, one of the most rewarding moments each year is graduation day. She cherishes the joy and pride radiating from students and parents alike, describing it as one of the happiest celebrations in the school district.

Collins considers her years of service an honor and a privilege. She does not take her role for granted, believing deeply in the value of supporting Rome City Schools.

Outside of her board duties, Collins enjoys traveling and exploring new places. She also treasures any time she gets to spend with her grandchildren, who inspire her commitment to the board. Ensuring a bright future for them and all Rome students is, for her, the ultimate motivation.

Mr. Will Byington

Vice Chair - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: board.wbyington@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since September 2016

When a position opened on the Rome City Schools Board of Education, Will Byington saw an opportunity to contribute his insights and support to the district. A proud Rome High graduate, Byington's deep connection to the community is further strengthened by his wife's role as an educator within the system and their two children who attend local schools.

Since joining the board in September 2016, Byington has been an active and engaged member. One of his favorite experiences has been attending Rome High School graduations, where he's had the privilege of celebrating the achievements of students, including those his wife has taught and the children of his friends.

A major highlight for Byington was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Main Elementary School. Witnessing the former students' pride in their new facility was a truly heartwarming moment for him.

When not fulfilling his duties as a school board member, Byington enjoys spending quality time with his family, attending his children's various activities, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Ms. Toni Blanchard

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: toni.blanchard@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since March 2022

Toni Blanchard has always felt called to help those in need. When the opportunity arose to run for the school board, she embraced it wholeheartedly, seeing it as a way to better serve Rome City Schools' students and families.

Blanchard has worked as a probation officer for more than 11 years working to find ways to eliminate the school to prison pipeline for our students. 

Since joining the board in March 2022, Blanchard has focused on ensuring that each child receives a quality education, regardless of their abilities. She often compares education to a fence: some students may need a stool or ladder to climb over it. Her goal is to dismantle that fence entirely, creating equal access so every child can thrive.

She believes that equality is giving every student the same education and that equity is recognizing that each student has different circumstances. She wants to ensure that we allocate the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome for all students.

Blanchard values her role as a board member within a district she views as a family. She appreciates how Rome City Schools show students they are loved and encouraged to succeed. Her most memorable moment as a board member came when she handed her son his diploma upon his graduation from Rome High School.

Outside of her duties, Blanchard loves spending time with her family and working on community service projects. She is also active in her church, participating in both the dance team and praise team.

Ms. Pascha Burge

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: pascha.burge@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2022

Pascha Burge is an advocate for Education and Community

Pascha Burge joined the Rome City School Board in January 2022, driven by a deep commitment to advocating for students with disabilities and their families. She wanted to ensure they had a strong voice in shaping their educational experiences while providing meaningful support for students and teachers alike. As a mother of three sons, including one with a disability, a proud grandmother, and wife to Marshall Burge, her personal experiences fuel her passion for empowering children and fostering strong connections between schools, families, and the community.

Pascha brings over 25 years of professional experience, including leadership roles as a Project Manager and Sales Coach at AT&T. Her career was defined by mentoring others, managing complex projects, and leading initiatives benefiting organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Rome, Rome City Schools, and local nursing homes. Now retired, she continues to apply her skills as a contract project manager and entrepreneur.

A graduate of Rome High School with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management, Pascha’s dedication is grounded in her faith. She believes true leadership is rooted in service and humility, often reminding others that success comes from using opportunities wisely and working for the collective good. “To truly lead, one must be willing to serve and uplift others, trusting in the divine plan rather than pursuing personal gain,” she says.

Pascha’s passion lies in connecting with students and witnessing their enthusiasm for learning. She takes pride in staying informed about the many accomplishments and positive developments across the district, celebrating the collective success of students and schools. Her community involvement includes teaching Sunday School for over 15 years, leading the Breakfast and Bus Ministry, and playing active roles in the Rome High Football Booster Club and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).

Whether collaborating with teachers, engaging with parents, or supporting students, Pascha remains focused on creating a positive, inclusive educational environment. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, especially cherishing moments with her granddaughter. Guided by her values of integrity, accountability, and stewardship, Pascha strives to inspire others to walk in faith, embrace opportunities, and prioritize what is best for all.

Dr. Melissa Davis

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: medavis@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2018

Dr. Melissa Davis has been a dedicated member of the Rome City Board of Education since January 2018. A local pediatrician, Dr. Davis initially chose to run for the school board because of her love for children, her passion for reading, and her commitment to helping young people thrive.

Reflecting on her decision to join the board, Dr. Davis notes that it was a pivotal moment in her life, one that allowed her to make a meaningful impact on students and families in the community. Her medical expertise was especially invaluable during the challenging pandemic period, providing vital support to the school system.

Among the many memories she has as a board member, one stands out: the moment she had the privilege of handing her youngest daughter her diploma on stage at graduation—a proud and unforgettable experience.

When she’s not helping children as a doctor or school board member, Dr. Davis enjoys traveling. She loves exploring the world, saying it’s exciting to visit new places, immerse herself in different cultures, and share these experiences with her family.

Ms. Jill Fisher

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: jifisher@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2018

Jill Fisher has been a member of the Rome City Schools Board of Education since January 2018. A Louisiana State University graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering, she spent several years working in manufacturing before moving to Rome in 2002 with her husband, Dr. Mark Fisher, after he completed dental school. Since then, Jill has been an active volunteer in both the community and local schools.

As her three children progressed through elementary school, Fisher felt that joining the school board was a natural next step. She saw it as a calling and embraced the opportunity to serve in a new way. Serving on the board has provided her with a platform to advocate for students, and she firmly believes that public education is the “great equalizer,” providing students with essential tools to succeed. She feels privileged to contribute to this impactful work.

Fisher’s favorite moments as a board member include milestone events like the groundbreakings for Main Elementary and, more recently, the new Rome Middle School. But her most cherished memory was handing diplomas to her own children on stage at their graduations.

In addition to her board duties, Fisher is actively involved with local organizations, including serving as Chair of Good Neighbor Ministries, volunteering with esp Rome (Extra Special People Rome), and coordinating Terrific Students for Rome Rotary. She has also served as District Director for the Georgia School Board Association, furthering her commitment to education and community.

Mr. Alvin L. Jackson

Board Member - Rome City Schools Board of Education

Email: aljackson@rcs.rome.ga.us

Board Member since January 2018

Alvin Jackson has been a member of the Rome City Schools Board of Education since January 2018. A lifelong Rome resident and graduate of Main High School, Jackson has always been active in the community and sees his role on the school board as a meaningful way to give back.

Jackson’s motivation for serving stems from his desire to be a voice for those who may feel unheard, including students and families. He is passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and feels that Rome City Schools excels at preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

When not working or engaging with various community organizations, Jackson enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He believes that “it takes a village to raise a child” and encourages the community to come together to make the school system even stronger.

Dr. Eric L. Holland

Superintendent - Rome City Schools

Email: eholland@rcs.rome.ga.us

Dr. Eric L. Holland was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Donalsonville, GA. He is a committed and sincere husband with a committed spouse, Melissa A. Holland. Dr. Holland is a father who leads and serves as a lifelong role model, protector, and provider for his two boys, Eric Jr. (EJ) and Ayden. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fall 1997 at Lambda Psi Chapter (Georgia Southwestern State University); serving as the Polemarch for 3 years.

Dr. Eric L. Holland is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University with a BS & Master in Education (2000 & 2003). In 2006, Holland earned his Specialist in Educational Leadership from Albany State University. In 2009, Holland obtained his Ph.D. from Capella University. In 2021, Dr. Holland obtained an Educational Specialist Degree from The University of Georgia.

Dr. Holland has twenty years of administration experience and twenty-three years of experience as an educator in the public school system. Dr. Holland is very passionate about education. His strengths and competencies in demonstrated skills are in the areas of leadership, relationship building, and maintaining excellence in academics, athletics, and arts. He is competent in creating policies and practices that promote academic achievement, implementing comprehensive athletic programs and training, and creating communication forums that generate parental and community involvement.

Dr. Holland has successfully motivated students and enhanced the interactive learning process, inspiring students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process. He established a highly functioning mentoring program named G.E.N.T.S. (Guide Empower Nurture Transform & Strengthen) our youth. Through his mentoring program, he simply let the students know four words: “I Believe In You.” Through these words and his actions, he hopes to make a difference in the lives of young people. Dr. Holland does not believe in failing. He believes “You either win or you learn.” He is a lifelong learner and loves being involved in the community. He is a member of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Holland’s motto is “No one of us is as great as all of us.”