The Rome City School District is committed to keeping our community informed regarding important issues that impact our students, families, and neighbors.
We understand the concerns surrounding the former Staley Elementary School and want to provide updates regarding the district’s ongoing efforts related to the property, the FEMA recovery process, continued efforts to pursue demolition resources, and steps being taken to maintain site security.
Please see the full community updates below:
(8/4/26 Update): Rome CSD Community Update: Former Staley Elementary School
The safety of our students, staff, families, neighbors, and the entire Rome community remains our highest priority.
The Rome City School District understands and shares the community’s concerns regarding the former Staley Elementary School, particularly following recent reports of possible activity at the building. We want our community to know that the district has remained actively engaged in addressing the future of the property since the building was severely damaged by flooding in 2021 and determined to be unusable.
Since the loss of Staley, the district has been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in collaboration with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) throughout the recovery process. As part of that work, the district formally requested FEMA’s consideration of a demolition grant, recognizing that safely removing the building was an important step in ensuring the long-term security of the site and surrounding community.
On December 11, 2024, the district submitted its request to pursue an Alternate Project through FEMA and specifically requested consideration for a demolition grant. FEMA later informed the district that an additional grant would not be provided for demolition and that the approved FEMA grant associated with the Alternate Project could not be used for that purpose under federal guidelines.
Since receiving that determination, the district has actively pursued other grant opportunities and funding resources to support the safe demolition of the building. We remain committed to identifying the resources needed to move this important work forward as quickly as possible.
The district also continues to take steps to secure and monitor the property. After learning of possible activity at the building, our facilities team immediately inspected the site, secured an area that had been opened, and is taking additional steps to address potential access points.
We appreciate the continued partnership of the City of Rome, local emergency responders, and our facilities staff, who have worked together throughout this process to help protect our community. The Rome City School District shares the community’s desire to see the former Staley Elementary School safely demolished and remains committed to working collaboratively, transparently, and responsibly with all partners to move this important work forward.
(8/5/26 Update): Three Key Takeaways from Our Community Update and Monday’s Capital Improvement Workshop
Following our recent community update regarding the former Staley Elementary School, we want to highlight a few key takeaways. These topics were also discussed during Monday’s Board of Education meeting and Capital Improvement Workshop as part of the district’s ongoing long-term facilities planning.
The FEMA funding cannot be used for demolition.
The FEMA funding is a grant for specific recovery work approved by FEMA. The district completes approved work, submits the required documentation, and receives reimbursement for eligible expenses. FEMA has determined that these funds cannot be used to demolish the former Staley Elementary School. The district continues to pursue additional funding opportunities and resources to support the safe demolition of the building.
The Board of Education is planning ahead.
Last year, the Board established a capital reserve fund to help prepare for future building needs and major projects. This allows the district to plan responsibly and helps reduce the potential impact on taxpayers when significant needs arise.
The district continues to move forward with a long-term plan.
At Monday’s Capital Improvement Workshop, the Board of Education, district leaders, architects, construction managers, and financial advisors reviewed long-term facilities planning, including the future of the former Staley Elementary School. We encourage community members to view the workshop discussion to learn more about the district’s planning process and commitment to responsible stewardship of resources.
The Capital Improvement Workshop recording can viewed on the Rome CSD YouTube page.