George R. Staley, superintendent of public schools in Rome, Oneida county, is one of the Empire state's native sons, his birth having occurred in Burtonsville, in 1874. His parents were James and Marietta (Overbaugh) Staley, likewise natives of this state. The father, a farmer by occupation, passed away thirty-four years ago. The mother lived until 1909.
George R. Staley was educated in the public schools of Burtonsville, the academy at Poultney, Vermont, and Syracuse University, graduating from the latter with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1900. Ever since completing his college education he has been actively identified with educational work as a teacher or suprintendent of schools. His first year of teaching experience was obtained in Poultney, following which he returned to his native state as a teacher in the schools of Oneida, where he remained for eleven years, eight years as a teacher and three as superintendent. In 1912 Mr. Staley was asked to come to Rome as superintendent of the local school. His dozen years of successful administration of the city system have well demonstrated his fitness for this highly responsible position and amply rewarded the board of education for the care it used in selecting the proper man to head the schools of Rome. Mr. Staley has been closely connected with the educational movements of the country, and as one of the members gives his support to the National Education Association, the New York State Teachers Association and the Council of City Superintendents. These organizations are all working for the advancement of education throughout the country, the raising of standards of both pupils and teachers and the development of better and more modern methods of teaching. The people connected with them, therefore, receive the benefits of their researches in the school world and the inspiration that comes from association with men and women who are making progress in their chosen line of work.
Mr. Staley was married, in 1902, to Miss Mary Barrett, daughter of Charles S. Barrett of Titusville, Pennsylvania, and they have three children: Eleanor, Marion and Barrett. Mrs. Staley is active in the church, club and social circles of Rome and has been a member of the board of directors of the Women's Club ever since its organization. Mr. Staley has taken a very prominent part in community activities since coming to Rome and has contributed much to the success of the various movements with which he is connected. Naturally, as an educator, work for boys and girls and young people has commanded his earnest attention. He was for several years a director in the local Young Men's Christian Association, and is now a director of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. During the World war Mr. Staley was one of the Four-Minute speakers in this city, and took an active part in the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives. After the war he was made one of the directors of the Community Chest. This energetic educator is also a Rotarian, and a member and a director of the Rome Chamber of Commerce. A leading member of the Presbyterian church, he is an elder and member of the session in the Rome congregation, while politically he ranks as a republican. His membership in the Teugega Country and Rome Automobile Clubs gives one a clue to the trend of his recreational interests. His public-spirited interest in all that pertains to the upbuilding of the community, as well as his able administration of the local school system, has made Mr. Staley a valuable resident of Rome and his friends and associates have not been slow to appreciate the service he has rendered. Moreover, they have come to esteem him highly for his sterling qualities of character and winning personality which draw friends about him wherever he goes.