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Substitute teacher and public commenters urge broader hiring criteria and curricular change
Summary
During public comment at the Aug. 26 Akron school board meeting, a former substitute urged reconsideration of a bachelor-degree requirement for substitutes; another commenter called for practical coursework and criticized standard curricula.
Two members of the public used the board’s three-minute public-comment period Aug. 26 to press the district on hiring and curriculum.
Donnie Brooks, who identified himself as a substitute teacher, said a recent rule requiring all substitutes to hold a bachelor’s degree cost him his position despite having an associate degree and being ‘‘19 credits away’’ from a bachelor’s. He said the district should prioritize recruiting people who ‘‘can reach the students in a meaningful way’’ and who ‘‘look like them and understand their plights,’’ arguing that a degree alone does not guarantee teaching ability. "That should not defer me from being a substitute teacher in APS," Brooks said.
Denae Pollard Senior told the board the district is ‘‘far behind’’ and urged more instruction in business, finances and trades. Pollard criticized instruction that focuses on traditional figures like Christopher Columbus and asserted that children should learn practical life skills. Pollard also made broader claims about health and DNA-based healing approaches while urging the board to try "something a little different." Pollard’s remarks blended curriculum criticism with personal views on health and governance.
The board did not take formal action on either commenter’s requests during the meeting. President Autry reminded speakers to direct comments to the chair and to avoid comments related to vendors or business matters during public comment.
