Akron Public Schools

The board meeting focused on the discussion and approval of a list of records designated for destruction.

The board meeting included updates regarding the opening of the school year and presentations on the district's Racial Equity Policy, which reviewed disaggregated discipline data and staffing diversity. Key business items involved the approval of numerous personnel recommendations, including staff appointments and reclassifications, as well as multiple service agreements and contracts. The board discussed ESSER funding priorities, authorized changes to the Treasurer/CFO position, and approved policies regarding nondiscrimination. The meeting concluded with an executive session addressing employment matters and the intention to terminate a teaching contract.

The Board meeting included student recognition for an i-Ready winter challenge and a presentation on student cellphone use, which discussed the implementation of Yondr pouches and the CENTEGIX crisis alert system. Various personnel recommendations were reviewed and approved across multiple departments. The Board discussed and approved several service agreements, memorandums of understanding, and business affairs recommendations. A superintendent report provided updates on a kindness initiative and district attendance data. Committee reports highlighted upcoming policy work, financial planning, and grants. The meeting concluded with the approval of several resolutions from an executive session, including tentative agreements with employee associations and salary adjustments for various non-bargaining positions.

The board meeting primarily focused on the initiation of the treasurer search process, facilitated by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). Key discussion points included establishing a timeline for the search, drafting and designing a recruitment brochure, defining the recruitment and marketing period, scheduling candidate interview rounds, and finalizing the critical qualifications for the leadership profile. The board also decided to utilize a survey for interested parties rather than focus groups.

The board meeting covered several significant items, including recognitions for the Healthcare in Progress (HIP) program and its receipt of the Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. The superintendent search process was initiated, with presentations from two search organizations. The board conducted personnel recommendations across various staffing categories, approved several business affairs purchases and service agreements, and finalized a list of policy revisions, including updates on attendance, emergency removals, and federal grants. The superintendent presented survey results from district parents regarding learning-model preferences for the second grading period, sparking discussions about potential reopening strategies. Additionally, the board approved an MOU with the Akron Education Association regarding specific staff positions following an executive session.