Akron school board approves plan to restructure the district
***Watch previous coverage in the video above.***
AKRON, Ohio (WJW) – The Akron Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s redistricting plan during a special session Wednesday night.
The decision, which affects thousands of students across the district, comes after several delayed votes and changes made to the proposal.
“Our conversations have been productive with our community,” said Superintedent Robinson. “Our families need to be fully aware of what we are planning. We have listened to their voices. This has been very important to this process.”
‘Gone too far’: Cavs coach Bickerstaff says he received threats from gamblers
Under the approved plan, the district is closing Firestone Park Elementary School next year, redirecting those students to Glover Community Learning Center, McEbright Community Learning Center and Voris Community Learning Center in the Garfield cluster.
Elementary students at Essex will return to Harris-Jackson Community Learning Center in North Hill. Stewart Early Learning Center classrooms will be integrated across the district, while classrooms at Essex will stay in the building for Pre-K.
Some Harris-Jackson students will be moving to Barber Community Learning Center in the East cluster.
Additionally, NIHF STEM High School will move into the Robinson Community Learning Center building and Robinson students will be sent to Mason and David Hill community learning centers, according to the proposal.
Schools’ bond issue in limbo; levies for 2 others fail
“We understand that this proposal brings a significant change for our families, and we want to assure you that our commitment to supporting every scholar remains unwavering. Your child’s education and well-being are at the forefront of our decision-making process,” the district said in a press release.
Find new boundary maps for the district below.
Find the full redistricting plan here.
School officials recommend going to the Akron Public Schools website for more information. Families can also ask questions by emailing redistrictingquestions@apslearns.org.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
