June 26, 2026 - 11:13

The Rome City School District Board of Education has voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Peter C. Blake, keeping him at the helm of the district for the foreseeable future. The decision, announced after a closed-door session on Tuesday evening, adds three years to Blake's existing agreement, which was set to expire in 2025. The new contract now runs through June 2028.
Board President John D. Rossi praised Blake's leadership, citing improved graduation rates and the successful implementation of new literacy programs as key reasons for the extension. "We have seen steady progress under Dr. Blake's guidance," Rossi said in a brief statement. "The board is confident that this continuity will benefit our students, staff, and the entire community."
Blake, who has served as superintendent since 2020, expressed gratitude for the board's confidence. He outlined plans to focus on expanding vocational training opportunities and addressing aging infrastructure in the district's elementary schools. "We have a solid foundation, but there is still work to do," Blake said. "I am committed to ensuring every student in Rome has access to a high-quality education."
The vote was unanimous, though one board member abstained. No further details regarding salary adjustments or performance benchmarks were released. The district serves approximately 5,200 students across nine schools.
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