A football field, a neighborhood park, a restaurant, or even a shopping mall could become the next place a child discovers a love of reading.
Those were among the ideas shared Wednesday as more than 50 educators, parents, community leaders, and local partners gathered for the Rome City Schools Literacy Task Force meeting. The discussion focused on expanding literacy opportunities beyond the classroom and identifying ways the community can help children develop stronger reading skills.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dennis Drummond guided attendees through the district's Literacy Compass, a roadmap designed to strengthen literacy from early childhood through high school graduation. He outlined three priorities: high-quality instruction, increased equity in literacy, and stronger family and community partnerships.
"Literacy cannot be something we focus on only during the school day," Dr. Drummond said. "Our schools have a responsibility to provide strong instruction, but we also need families and community partners helping children develop a love of reading. The ideas shared today show how we can make reading part of everyday life throughout Rome."
Dr. Drummond also reviewed the district's literacy work since the task force was established during the 2022-23 school year. That work has included developing the Literacy Compass, adding literacy coaches and interventionists, strengthening instructional materials, expanding early learning opportunities, and introducing community initiatives such as Read Across Rome and books in barbershops, beauty salons, and businesses.
For the 2026-27 school year, the district's priorities include expanding early childhood programs, providing additional professional learning and intervention support, and strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations.
Following the presentation, attendees worked individually and in small groups to identify opportunities to promote literacy throughout Rome. A Rome City Schools staff member facilitated discussion at each table before participants posted their ideas on large sheets displayed around the room.
One youth football coach suggested having coaches read to players during the final 10 minutes of practice, bringing literacy directly onto the athletic field. Other participants discussed the influence high school athletes and cheerleaders can have when younger students see them reading.
Additional ideas included mobile book programs that visit neighborhoods, reading opportunities at local parks, book-sharing stations, reading corners at shopping centers, and partnerships with restaurants and businesses to make books more accessible to families.
Participants also highlighted programs already making a difference, including summer academic opportunities, neighborhood book exchanges, and reading incentive programs that encourage children to continue reading outside school.
Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland emphasized that literacy is one of the district's three central priorities, alongside safety and sustainability, and challenged community members to recognize the difference they can make in a child's future.
"We educate 6,200 students every day, and one of those students is going to change the world, but we have to make sure that we do our part collectively," Dr. Holland said. "Our days of changing the world are over, but we may just say something or do something that's going to spark the brain of a student who will."
Dr. Holland encouraged participants to read to their children, volunteer through Read Across Rome, and continue investing their time and resources in students.
"We've got to come together. It's going to take every single person in that room for us to continue to move the needle," Dr. Holland said. "This is not a one and done for us. We need to continue to collaborate and continue to move the needle."
The discussion reinforced the district's Literacy Before Life For Life initiative, which emphasizes developing literacy skills early and sustaining them throughout a student's education and beyond.
The task force is scheduled to meet again in spring 2027 as Rome City Schools continues working with families and community partners to expand literacy opportunities for children across the city.