Akron Public Schools

Negotiating teams for both sides met all day Saturday and much of Sunday in Akron behind closed doors, trying to build a consensus despite things becoming acrimonious in recent weeks. The union has been without a contract for roughly six months.

The negotiation teams for both the administration and the Akron Education Association couldn’t come to an agreement after meeting for six hours Thursday, and will meet again Saturday morning.

The Akron Board of Education approved several resolutions after a lengthy executive session Thursday, including to grant the Superintendent the authority to: hire a "crisis response firm"; seek out additional substitute teachers; and to continue school remotely if it’s deemed necessary.

The Akron Education Association Thursday filed a notice with the state signifying it intends to go on strike if an agreement can't be reached on a contract with Akron Public Schools Board of Education within the next 10 days.

‘Tis the season to reflect back on what we’ve done this year, and where we’re going. Right now I’m thinking back on a busy last few months of education coverage since I joined Ideastream Public Media in August.

Across the country, schools have reported seeing student misbehavior skyrocket since the end of pandemic-related school closures, and it's been an especially challenging last few weeks for the Akron Public Schools in particular.

The Akron Public Schools Board of Education voted Monday night to approve almost $3.7 million dollars to enhance security and boost mental health support in schools after hearing from an audience packed with parents and staff concerned about school safety and student misbehavior.

With time running down before the end of term, Ohio lawmakers scramble to pass bills in the lame-duck session at the statehouse.

Akron Public Schools Superintendent Christine Fowler-Mack said Monday evening that the school district is moving to routine use of metal detectors and backpack checks in all middle and high schools after two schools were locked down Monday due to a student carrying a gun.

The Akron Education Association blasted Fowler-Mack's leadership following a student's stabbing, a fight the required a response by Akron Police and a bomb threat against a school.