Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

202 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 unifying force, pooling resources from all schools to offer specialized courses typically available only in larger metropolitan areas. Bridging Education and Community The synergy between educational institutions and the community plays a pivotal role in the modern educational landscape. This collaboration ensures that students are equipped with relevant skills and seamlessly integrated into the workforce, meeting the evolving demands of the local economy. Rhodarmer highlights the importance of these partnerships, “The Rome Chamber of Commerce, with Pam Power Smith at its helm, is integral to our operations. Our collaboration is so close-knit that not a week goes by without us coordinating with them.” This mutual relationship extends to board memberships, with Rhodarmer serving on the Chamber’s board and its representatives reciprocating at the College and Career Academy. The district actively collaborates beyond the commercial realm, particularly with the healthcare sector, which is Rome’s leading workforce consumer. Rhodarmer highlights partnerships with key players like Atrium and Floyd Health, offering students invaluable hands-on medical experience. Additionally, their alliance with Georgia Power sheds light on upcoming regional career prospects. Technology and Infrastructure in Education Today, integrating technology into the classroom is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Floyd County School District recognizes this imperative, making significant strides in ensuring that students are equipped with the tools and skills they need for the future. Dr. White elaborates on the district’s tech- forward approach, “Every day, technology plays a pivotal role in our classrooms. To illustrate, we’ve invested in 8,700 new Chromebooks for students and staff, 900 new desktop computers, and many other technological enhancements.” He chuckles, admitting, “While I might not be