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