The Akron Board of Education on Oct. 20 approved a contract to appoint Wayne Bowers as treasurer/CFO for Akron Public Schools.

Member Sykes moved approval of the contract; Vice President Alexander seconded the motion. The board voted by roll call and the motion carried 6–0.

Board members who spoke in support highlighted Bowers’s experience working with the district and his financial knowledge. Member Harrison, who participated in the interview panel, said Bowers “stood above in that interview process” and praised his ability to identify problems and propose solutions. President Jackson complimented Bowers’s “intestinal fortitude and the acumen for this job” and said the district was fortunate to have “able-bodied people at the helm.”

Bowers spoke after the vote and thanked the board. “I'm honored and excited to be given this opportunity to work with the board, the superintendent, staff, and the community to provide sound financial management and transparency,” he said. He noted his wife was present at the meeting.

The board recessed into an executive session after the vote under the Ohio Revised Code citation read at the meeting; later the board returned and approved several tentative labor agreements (see separate summary).