Local residents urge hiring transparency and clarity on coach investigation at Akron school board meeting

Several members of the public addressed the Akron Public School Board on Jan. 5 about personnel processes and school safety.

Courtney Brown, an Akron resident and University of Akron graduate, said he has been actively applying for district positions since February 2024 and that his Ohio Department of Education clearance has been restored after an appeal. He told the board his applications were repeatedly denied without explanation and that human-resources staff Todd Wilmes and Julian Foster had not answered requests for clarification. Brown asked that the district provide written reasons for the denials so he can address them.

A speaker representing the Akron Education Association thanked the new board members and warned of legislative actions in Columbus that, the speaker said, threaten public education. The speaker called for collaboration between the board and educators and committed the association to provide regular legislative updates.

Danielle Francis asked the board for accountability and clarity after a Firestone High School girls basketball coach was placed on paid administrative leave following an incident on Dec. 18. Francis said the parent she alleged attacked the coach has continued attending games and that school staff have viewed video and statements but she had not been given a timeline or explanation for the length of the investigation; she reported the team’s roster falling from 19 to 11 players since the leave.

Board members did not provide detailed responses during public comment but stated the superintendent would be asked to follow up and respond to the speakers. The meeting record shows the board referred the comments to Superintendent Mary Otley for follow-up.