Teacher Larry Roberson tells Akron board his contract was not renewed, alleges parental bias

Larry Roberson, a teacher at Litchfield Middle School and a graduate of Akron Public Schools, told the Akron Board of Education on May 18 that his contract will not be renewed after 17 years in the classroom and said the decision cost him roughly $15,000–$20,000 because only 10 years of his experience will be recognized.

Roberson said he had returned to Akron in August 2025 and that his career includes a designation as a “distinguished educator” in DCPS. He told the board he was told on April 23 that he would not be recommended for rehire and said that, based on conversations with his principal and prior meetings, he believes the move was driven not by his qualifications but "from a parent's objection to my identity as an African-American male who adhered to the curriculum while teaching history and religion." He added that his principal told him to stop discussing religion or risk termination and that the situation produced harmful rumors he had to address with students.

The board did not answer Roberson from the dais. A board member said the body would "not respond, but will assign through the superintendent the appropriate person to follow up." Shortly after public comment, a member moved the board into executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(3) for "conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action," and the motion carried by roll call 7-0.

Roberson asked the board to consider what message nonrenewal of a 17-year, locally raised and dedicated teacher sends to the community. The board record shows only that staff will follow up through the superintendent; the transcript does not record any on-the-record response from district leaders about the particulars of Roberson's employment status or any disciplinary findings.