Leadership Controversy and Key Issues at Akron Public Schools Board Meeting

Superintendent Leadership Debate

During the April 14, 2025 Akron School Board meeting, a significant debate emerged regarding Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson’s leadership, highlighting divisions among board members and community stakeholders.

Reverend Harrison proposed placing Dr. Robinson on paid administrative leave, citing four concerns: proximity to the problem, duty of care, fiduciary responsibility, and supervision issues. Harrison noted that consistent concerns had been raised by multiple sources including administration staff, school personnel, and police officers.

“At a certain point we have to say well maybe there’s something to this, because I simply don’t believe that two dozen people got together and made up stuff,” Harrison stated, also mentioning that some directors felt empowered to “threaten board members” with emails.

Other board members disagreed. Member Hall opposed the motion, arguing the board had agreed to wait for the fact-finding investigation results. Vice President Alexander similarly preferred waiting for the investigation’s completion. Board President Jackson questioned the timing of the motion when the investigation results were imminent.

The resolution was ultimately withdrawn, with the board announcing a special session the following day to consider the fact-finding investigation’s results. While no final decision was made, the board indicated it would “consider recommendations on a path ahead” at Tuesday’s meeting.

During public comments, community member William Reynolds referenced “deeply troubling allegations” including reports of threats, public humiliation, and degrading remarks made by the superintendent. Other community members defended Dr. Robinson, expressing appreciation for his work.

Budget Reduction Plan

A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a $10.2 million budget reduction plan presented by Angela Carter and Stephen Keenan. The plan identified $5.7 million in savings from personnel costs and $4.5 million from operational efficiencies.

The personnel reductions affect 59 full-time equivalent positions translating to 71 positions across the district. Board members expressed concern about the lack of detailed information provided ahead of the meeting and the impact on student services.

Several board members, including Dr. Molinar and Reverend Harrison, criticized the administration for not providing sufficient details about the cuts before the meeting. The board ultimately voted to move key reduction items to the finance committee for further review.

Job Training Coordinators and Special Education

One of the most emotionally charged topics involved the proposed reduction of job training coordinators who work with special needs students. Numerous parents, employers, and community partners spoke passionately about the value of these positions.

Bob Campbell from Craft 33 described how students in the transition-to-work program gained valuable real-world experience at his business. Parents shared how the program had transformed their children’s lives, building independence and confidence.

Other speakers included Nathan Walden from Hope Soap, who emphasized how these experiences build confidence and skills for students with disabilities, and Ben Shrader, who mentioned he had hired seven students from the program at his hotel.

Equity Policies Repeal

The board voted to repeal several equity-related policies (2260.04 Equity Policy, 2260.05 Working Definition of DEI, and 2260.07 Racial Equity) and to end the equity committee.

Member Autry described this as a “hostile yes” vote, explaining: “It is with a tough and sad heart that I will support this so that our district can continue to run with the $85 million in funds that we need.” This suggested financial considerations from state funding were driving these decisions.

Member Sykes opposed the repeals, noting the equity committee had worked “for hours in coming up with language that we thought would be acceptable” as a replacement policy, but that effort had not been considered.

Other Significant Issues

The board unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Fair School Funding Plan, following community members’ calls for action against state funding cuts to public education.

Community members expressed concern about Ohio House Bill 96, which could potentially cost Akron Public Schools $100 million in funding.

The board tabled a resolution approving architectural design services for Buchtel CLC’s press box replacement and track renovation project until language could be added ensuring student participation in the project.

The board also rejected a memorandum of understanding with the Akron Police Department due to language that would not allow the district to immediately remove officers from buildings if issues arose.

A special meeting was scheduled for later today (April 15th) to address the superintendent situation specifically.