The Rome City School District Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council has been honored by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) as Champions of Change.
The NYSSBA Champions of Change Recognition program highlights district and BOCES programs and initiatives that bring positive, meaningful change to the students, communities, and districts of New York.
Launched in October 2024, the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council is a student-centered initiative led by students from grades 2–12, guided by district staff. Council members dedicate time outside of school hours to meet, discuss priorities, and set goals for their schools—playing a vital role in shaping the district’s current mission, vision, and values.
William Miller, NYSSBA Area 5 Director, presented the Student Leadership Council with the Champions of Change Recognition banner during a recent RCSD Board of Education meeting.
“I was amazed,” Miller remarked about the Council and its student leadership. “They want to make their school better.”
Jordan Roser, a junior at Rome Free Academy, shared how Council membership has positively impacted her.
“I’m so excited to be in this program because it has empowered me to have a voice and I feel like it’s made a big difference,” Roser said during the ceremony, which also welcomed parents, families and community members. “I am very grateful to participate, and I want to thank Ms. Anselme for giving me the opportunity because it means a lot to me.”
Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Nerlande Anselme, praised the Council for their dedication and leadership.
“I am very proud of each and every one of you,” Anselme said. “There is brilliance here. You are phenomenal, and you deserve to always be the priority in this district.”
Addressing parents and families, Anselme added, “Thank you for allowing your children to serve. They are Champions of Change, and that’s what we are all about here. Rome is rising, and you deserve excellence in education—what we are committed to delivering for every one of you.”