Board says independent review of misconduct allegations has begun after public complaints

The Akron Board of Education said an independent review into allegations of misconduct involving Superintendent Dr. Robertson has begun and that the board’s investigators will take the time necessary to complete a thorough, impartial inquiry.

Several members of the public used the Jan. 13 public-comment period to urge the board to make the investigation findings public. William Reynolds, a local father, said the district must “make the findings of this investigation public,” and speakers on both sides of the dispute urged transparency while expressing sharply different views about the superintendent’s fitness for office.

The board met in executive session under Ohio Revised Code §121.22(g)(1) to discuss personnel matters. After returning to open session shortly after midnight, the board read a statement saying it had engaged the law firm Bridal Mayna Dimon to serve as factfinder, that investigators had reviewed documents and conducted initial interviews, and that no deadline had been set for completion so investigators could take the time needed. The statement said the final report will be made public and that the board will provide updates as the review progresses.

Public comments during the meeting included allegations and defenses. William Reynolds asked the board to prioritize transparency and to “ensure every leader in this district is held accountable.” Cynthia Blake, another speaker, urged the board not to suspend the superintendent, calling the allegations part of “a playbook” to remove him. Other commentators noted community concern about posters and public protests; the district’s communications office had previously asked the Akron Police Department to investigate posters placed around town.

Board members recessed to executive session to discuss employment-related matters under the cited Ohio statute. At the end of the meeting the board again stated the outside firm is conducting the review and that it will release the final report when available. The board provided no timetable for the investigation.

The board’s statement and the engagement of an external factfinder mark a formal step in the district’s response. The board said it would issue further updates but did not announce personnel actions while the review continues.