District news
District says state and FEMA advice on Staley demolition money conflicted
What happened
On Sept. 24 the district said it was told in writing by the state homeland security and emergency services division (Nov. 18, 2025 and Feb. 27, 2026) that FEMA recovery money could not pay to demolish the former Staley Elementary. It says a recent FEMA letter appears to say something different, and it has asked the state to clarify.
Why it matters to families
Tearing down Staley is part of the Dec. 8 vote and the district says it is required to collect up to $19.6 million in FEMA reimbursement before a 2029 deadline. Unclear rules about what that money can pay for could change how much local taxpayers must cover.
The evidence
The district's Sept. 24, 2026 statement quotes the state's emails, says the district relied on them, and says it brought the discrepancy to the state's attention. The Aug. 4 district update says FEMA declined a separate demolition grant. The statement does not say what FEMA's letter actually says or that any money is lost.
The source
District Statement Regarding FEMA Funding & Staley DemolitionSee the full record for Rome City School District.
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