Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland was honored with the Marvin E. Lewis Sr. Trailblazer Award by the Georgia School Superintendents Association on Apr. 15, recognizing his efforts to break barriers and champion equitable outcomes for students.
The award highlights the importance of leadership that fosters opportunity and equity in public education, especially in communities seeking measurable progress and representation.
Dr. Holland’s career includes several historic firsts: he was the first Black principal at Rome High School, the first Black male principal at Marietta High School, and is now the first Black superintendent in Rome City Schools’ 140-year history. “It was the responsibility,” Holland said about being a trailblazer, adding, “Because when you are the first, you have a duty to make sure you are not the last.”
Under his leadership as principal of Rome High School and later as superintendent, academic performance improved significantly across multiple measures such as graduation rates—reaching a historic high of 95.7% overall and 96.79% among Black students—as well as increased participation in dual enrollment programs and Advanced Placement courses. “These results represent more than numbers,” Holland said. “They represent students who now believe they belong, students who now see opportunity, and students who now see themselves in leadership.”
Holland also implemented systems for sustainable growth through initiatives like Literacy Before Life and partnerships with local universities to support both student achievement and staff development; over 20 staff members have earned advanced degrees during his tenure.
Rome City Schools has seen all schools earn Georgia Ready Seal of Preparedness status while maintaining advanced security systems on campuses; staff retention stands at 90%, according to the official website. The district’s Board of Education oversees administration policy to ensure continued improvement according to its official website.
Financially, Dr. Holland strengthened fund balances by more than 125%, maintained clean audits with transparent reporting practices, aligned budgets with strategic priorities, and received GSBA Exemplary Board Recognition (2024–2026).
Other superintendents praised his impact: “Dr. Holland exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose,” said Dr. Duke Bradley III of Newton County Schools; Cartersville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Marc Feuerbach added that “His leadership has resulted in measurable gains across the district…and creating professional pipelines to support staff development.”
Rome City Schools offers K-12 education programs including Advanced Placement courses and career-technical pathways while providing technology access for all grades according to its official website. The district emphasizes academics alongside arts and athletics as reported by its official site, delivers virtual learning options plus special education services according to its official website, operates elementary through high school levels according to its official website, all based out of Rome, Georgia as noted on their site.
Despite recognition for his achievements so far, Dr.Holland remains focused on lasting change: “Success will not be defined by one leader being recognized,” he said.”It will be defined by opportunity being normalized when leadership reflects our students,and when systems we build continue long after we are gone.”
