[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6369282,"mediaKeyId","2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed","parentId",2154923,"title","Akron Public Schools board approves Year‑2 strategic plan, bond and construction appropriations and retains outside counsel","audioSeconds",710,"startMs",4202000,"endMs",4912000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed&start=4202&end=4912","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed/thumbnail_4202000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6369282/Ohio/Akron-Public-Schools-board-approves-Year2-strategic-plan-bond-and-construction-appropriations-and-retains-outside-counsel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369282-9a7afb5d6df7a98d29fe4d0f415ca2ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771030587&Signature=Xc-SGiWpWqttjx6NW3FMrW~5cpUGIUCwXL6oR3Ekny1h7L4G0vMJeyNhbL3VXl4HrLwRjOnGIMuwcEla5GbqshCxGzaVKSAv88EwVFmcueOZbZw2o5EmjPro~PgiB1IVOxO5iPdhwc3juC0MR-8WJXp~hO6Lg9vgAKjelfZxBF8EPpB49bB600f8TQTUIBkl8cF7lbxZdgdsj-C~LlLADNgNRiio4qYGxGaHI7fUDPqkMptOpZUqYA699UNRnlL5PCOY1dAYh3lTAMgys0se5p0tLrud0auBo8qcCIfYBOTuMS5trxeeF4~ATAXE0gw31kH0neJCltzA5ndXCdLXig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-08T14:21:12Z","article","AKRON — The Akron Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 27, 2025 approved several routine and higher‑impact items including an amended Year‑2 strategic plan, appropriations tied to recent bond proceeds and the start of North High School construction, accepted its December financial report and approved personnel recommendations and the consent agenda.

The board voted 6–0 on the strategic plan after amending the document to label data rows by academic school year rather than calendar year. Board members also approved bond retirement fund appropriations and appropriations to begin design and initial contracting work for North High School. The board approved its monthly financial report for December 2024, accepted personnel recommendations, approved the consent agenda and approved minutes from Jan. 13. After an executive session the board voted to retain several outside law firms; that motion passed with one abstention.

Why it matters: the appropriations tied to bond proceeds let the district start required debt service and initial construction work for North High School. The strategic plan vote sets the framework for district priorities and reporting for the coming year. The retention of outside counsel follows confidential executive‑session discussions and will shape the district’s legal support for pending matters.

Most important results

- Blueprint for Excellence Year‑2 (strategic plan): amended to add academic school year headers; passed 6–0. The amendment was offered by Dr. Molnar and incorporated before the final vote.

- Bond Retirement Fund appropriations: approved 6–0. Funds will cover debt retirement payments tied to the district’s recently issued bonds.

- North High School Construction Fund appropriations: approved 6–0 to allow hiring architects and paying initial project fees.

- December 2024 financial report: approved 6–0.

- Personnel recommendations (categories 10–20): approved 6–0.

- Consent agenda (board letters mirroring resolutions in categories 22–25): approved 6–0.

- Retention of outside law firms (engagements for on‑call legal services): moved by Member Alexander and seconded by Member Sykes; carried 5‑0 with one abstention (Reverend Harrison).

Board procedure and context

Board members debated the strategic plan’s data headings and clarified that some metrics arrive with a lag from state reporting; Dr. Molnar asked that the plan present school‑year labels so readers know when data were collected. The final strategic‑plan motion incorporated that clarification before the vote. Finance committee members said the North High appropriation and the debt retirement appropriation are required by Ohio law and allow the district to pay debt service and begin initial construction contracts.

Votes “at a glance” (motions, movers, seconds and outcomes)

- Approve Blueprint for Excellence Year‑2 with amendment (add academic school‑year labels): moved Member Alexander; second Member Hall; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

- Approve Bond Retirement Fund appropriations: moved Member Sykes; second Member Harrison; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

- Approve North High School Construction Fund appropriations: moved Member Sykes; second Member Hall; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

- Approve December 2024 financial report: moved Member Harrison; second Member Sykes; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

- Approve personnel recommendations (categories 10–20): moved Member Molnar; second Member Hall; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

- Approve consent agenda (categories 22–25): moved Member Alexander; second Member Hall; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

- Retain outside law firms (Manzik, Reskin; Bricker & Graydon; others per engagement agreements): moved Member Alexander; second Member Sykes; outcome: approved; tally recorded as 5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain (Reverend Harrison).

What the board did not decide tonight

There was discussion in finance about the location of a rebuilt North High School after community rumor, and the superintendent said no board action or decision to move the school had been brought to the board.

Ending note

The board recessed into executive session to discuss personnel and pending litigation matters and returned to take the law‑firm engagement vote. The board set its next regular meeting for Feb. 10, 2025 and announced a special meeting later in the week that also will include an executive session.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Livestream - 01/27/25","oneSentenceSummary","AKRON — The Akron Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 27, 2025 approved an amended Year‑2 strategic plan, authorized bond‑retirement and North High construction appropriations and retained outside counsel following an executive session.","taxTitle","Akron City, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",13225,"location","Ohio","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6369271,"Student board member urges action on school funding, food quality and after‑school programs; board members offer committee and grant support",331,802000,1133000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed&start=802&end=1133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed/thumbnail_802000.jpg","/articles/6369271/Ohio/Student-board-member-urges-action-on-school-funding-food-quality-and-afterschool-programs-board-members-offer-committee-and-grant-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369271-c2572c1b9782d2cf57134588b0b3d4df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771030587&Signature=TswxC4slkni68fxxtvGry23Zhp2IiualD0g2MaAsdOj61yIdHxzdC00QAye7QiTiqcueSJQ304j6fzDr90fOhn6B08YfTrEW5IZL4xHyqoT6IABh6KAStU32qEDhi9rXdGnkDrbdKIz6aZo2pFZsEpEDNaJHqSAkuLahyNJoq-QVfl8~XuVSEbR8jZ1aQjNzdulSLgb6fNBDD2fPQU8F3Nvwbful20Ze4o6aYQ0fXkFKOLf-cJPIuKUbYeMTrN2kQOcld85FWsEkoFJnM3D~rHmC0rw7b-FPMm8LWgR2-O7dCXRT091ubi5dFtQLFhEuAW0yd4EiGmBUS237ljrMNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","AKRON — At the Jan. 27 Akron Public Schools Board meeting, student board member Devon Caldwell Sales appealed for help addressing equipment shortfalls, diminished after‑school programming and meal quality at his school, saying some students skip meals and that band, clubs and sports struggle without adequate funding.

Caldwell Sales, a senior, described students’ concerns: band instruments in need of repair, clubs such as the Westside Writers Club unable to meet because of funding, highly processed meal options that he said discourage students from eating, and resource limits for sports that require off‑site facilities. He suggested volunteer‑led fundraisers including benefit concerts and community dinners.

Board members responded with immediate offers of assistance. Member Molnar said she would work with Caldwell Sales and bring the food‑quality issue to a board committee for study; she asked the student to connect her with teachers and staff involved. The superintendent and other board members suggested the district explore existing grants, including a “fresh fruit” program and state out‑of‑school‑time grants, and encouraged teacher‑led grant applications. Member Hall noted local organizations already donating instruments and urged citizens to contact principals to make donations.

Why it matters: student testimony highlighted operational gaps that board members said could be addressed through committee review, targeted fundraising and grant applications. Board members emphasized the distinction between public comment and board action but offered staff and committee follow‑up.

Follow‑up and next steps

- Member Molnar offered to work with the student and recommended bringing the food‑quality issue to a committee for study and potential action.

- The superintendent and board members suggested pursuing grant funding (including fresh fruit grants and out‑of‑school‑time grants) and connecting volunteer donors with principals.

- Board liaison and staff follow‑ups: Member Molnar (board liaison for the referenced cluster) and district staff will coordinate with the school to explore grants and community partnerships.

Ending note

Caldwell Sales concluded by asking the board to expand after‑school options and volunteer engagement; board members said they would pursue committee review and practical next steps to explore funding and donor connections.","Devon Caldwell Sales, a student board member, told the board that band equipment, after‑school clubs and meal quality are undermined by funding shortfalls; board members offered to work via committees, pursue grants and connect donors.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6369277,"Students introduce C Akron, a student‑led equity and leadership network across eight Akron high schools",722,2132000,2854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed&start=2132&end=2854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154923-8762b289d8f0712a7ec36cca44b31aed/thumbnail_2132000.jpg","/articles/6369277/Ohio/Students-introduce-C-Akron-a-studentled-equity-and-leadership-network-across-eight-Akron-high-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369277-da064b4b9c1a4aac15dba90a57949feb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771030587&Signature=J3v2rJUACO8UqfX3JOMJ~n4yMZAFdMwBVArQuYD72QmvXp2XcqpbqX4vjuNw85rzWrZGoozzoYP3gphSrxAkYTjzG3OcrYOoytovnS7tgTC2AZP200jROhtv-hsq5rcOvCX~NEg3prP6XCeurjFv13CBlevwZluenVS4q1wbM7N~qMrs~Hwabzr1ZJhELU8pVpYipSK5-nkcIHWGTotB9H9coIS0axXj9DPrUqjRg61k9dXiJ3k5gwL~yfZbd5F-nRX46O0S049UbFDlclAsPn6~AxOjdCfbwan2d7Clmtbeg2010p0~~Bni3LQ2Dxps3KpdZH~EUgbIjX4XNogrlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","AKRON — Students from eight Akron high schools presented a student‑led organization called C Akron (Students for Equity and Excellence) to the Akron Public Schools Board on Jan. 27, outlining a constitution, learning outcomes and a plan to launch in August 2025.

Devon Caldwell Sales, a student board member, opened the presentation and said students met monthly with the Summit Education Initiative to develop leadership skills and a platform to advocate for equity and student voice. Founding members Jordan Holloway, Harlem Parsons, Anaya Law, Celicia Coggins and senior Zia West described the group’s mission — to promote equity, respect and excellence — and three program strands: graphic design and branding, public speaking, and video documentation of the group’s work.

The students said they have drafted a constitution and used survey data to shape their goals. Jeremiah Emmanuel told the board the group plans a youth summit in May 2025 and intends to launch activities across all eight Akron high schools in August 2025.

Board members and staff offered immediate support. Member Harrison and Vice President Alexander praised the students’ work; Alexander offered to explore opportunities to bring student presenters to statewide events. The superintendent and other board members encouraged the students to identify staff advisers in their buildings and to pursue grant funding; Member Hall and others volunteered to help with grant writing and connections to existing out‑of‑school funding streams.

Why it matters: a district‑wide student organization that spans multiple high schools can create a sustained channel for student input on equity, school culture and policy. The students asked the district for central‑office partnership to help with logistics, advisor relationships and access to funding.

What the students asked for and next steps

- Establish staff advisers in each participating school and identify teacher mentors.

- Support from central office on logistics and partnership to scale the initiative district‑wide.

- Assistance with grant writing and identifying sustainable funding sources; board members offered to help draft applications.

The board welcomed the proposal and asked the student leaders to continue coordinating with their principals and the superintendent’s office to finalize adviser assignments and a launch schedule.

","Students from eight Akron high schools told the board they have formed C Akron (Students for Equity and Excellence), described a constitution and launch plan for August 2025 and asked for district support and adviser relationships.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Akron Public Schools board approves Year‑2 strategic plan, bond and construction appropriations and retains outside counsel

Student board member urges action on school funding, food quality and after‑school programs; board members offer committee and grant support

Students introduce C Akron, a student‑led equity and leadership network across eight Akron high schools