Oct 22, 2026 · 6 min · 6 segments
A Rome school board member faces racism allegations and calls for his resignation, but Rocky Capponi is pushing back, refusing to step down, and demanding answers from district leadership…
A controversy is growing within the Rome City School District, where a newly elected school board member is facing allegations of racism and threatening behavior.
But Rocky Caponi says he has no intention of stepping down.
The dispute follows a formal complaint filed by the Rome Parent Coalition and concerned community members, calling for an independent ethics investigation into Caponi's conduct.
The complaint, dated October 11th, raises concerns about social media posts, private communications, and interactions with community members.
According to the coalition, some parents felt intimidated by online comments ahead of an October 9th meeting.
The complaint also alleges that Caponi exchanged text messages containing race-related descriptions of attendees and used profanity when referring to one community advocate.
The coalition says its goal is to restore cooperation, reduce hostility, and ensure parents and children aren't caught in the middle of the controversy.
Caponi strongly denies being racist.
He says he believes everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of race, background, or personal identity.
He also argues that the controversy is overshadowing legitimate questions about how the school district is being managed.
Caponi points to several issues he believes deserve greater attention.
Among them are the deteriorating condition of the district stadium complex, the former Staley School building that remains damaged years after flooding, and the departure of experienced teachers.
He has also questioned district spending, financial decisions, and administrative leadership.
Caponi acknowledges having disagreements with Superintendent Nerland Anselm, but insists those disagreements are about policy and accountability, not race.
he maintains that questioning district leadership is part of his responsibility as an elected board member.
Ancel, meanwhile, declined to comment, citing personnel matters.
The controversy presents two sharply different perspectives.
Community members behind the complaint are seeking accountability for conduct they believe has created division and intimidation.
Caponi maintains that his actions reflect his responsibility to challenge district leadership and demand answers on behalf of taxpayers, parents, and students.
For now, the allegations remain disputed, and the complaint calls for an independent review.
But one thing is clear.
Caponi is not backing down.
He says he will continue asking difficult questions, carrying out his responsibilities, and serving the voters who elected him.
And despite the growing pressure, he has made his position unmistakable.
He will not resign.
A controversy is growing within the Rome City School District, where a newly elected school board member is facing allegations of racism and threatening behavior.
But Rocky Caponi says he has no intention of stepping down.
The dispute follows a formal complaint filed by the Rome Parent Coalition and concerned community members, calling for an independent ethics investigation into Caponi's conduct.
The complaint, dated October 11th, raises concerns about social media posts, private communications, and interactions with community members.
According to the coalition, some parents felt intimidated by online comments ahead of an October 9th meeting.
The complaint also alleges that Caponi exchanged text messages containing race-related descriptions of attendees and used profanity when referring to one community advocate.
The coalition says its goal is to restore cooperation, reduce hostility, and ensure parents and children aren't caught in the middle of the controversy.
Caponi strongly denies being racist.
He says he believes everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of race, background, or personal identity.
He also argues that the controversy is overshadowing legitimate questions about how the school district is being managed.
Caponi points to several issues he believes deserve greater attention.
Among them are the deteriorating condition of the district stadium complex, the former Staley School building that remains damaged years after flooding, and the departure of experienced teachers.
He has also questioned district spending, financial decisions, and administrative leadership.
Caponi acknowledges having disagreements with Superintendent Nerland Anselm, but insists those disagreements are about policy and accountability, not race.
he maintains that questioning district leadership is part of his responsibility as an elected board member.
Ancel, meanwhile, declined to comment, citing personnel matters.
The controversy presents two sharply different perspectives.
Community members behind the complaint are seeking accountability for conduct they believe has created division and intimidation.
Caponi maintains that his actions reflect his responsibility to challenge district leadership and demand answers on behalf of taxpayers, parents, and students.
For now, the allegations remain disputed, and the complaint calls for an independent review.
But one thing is clear.
Caponi is not backing down.
He says he will continue asking difficult questions, carrying out his responsibilities, and serving the voters who elected him.
And despite the growing pressure, he has made his position unmistakable.
He will not resign.
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