[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6389623,"mediaKeyId","2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47","parentId",2113199,"title","Board gets updates on stadium, East CLC track, lighting and Kenmore rebuild; demolition to follow new construction","audioSeconds",167,"startMs",6579000,"endMs",6746000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47&start=6579&end=6746","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47/thumbnail_6579000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6389623/Ohio/Board-gets-updates-on-stadium-East-CLC-track-lighting-and-Kenmore-rebuild-demolition-to-follow-new-construction","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389623-3ae9f90e364f338d515bccb36f65bcbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007847&Signature=hBAI5fRoNMTcLLxgT8S57aSN2Jl9j3O1CHB2u6rAo8zmaic~TXfTRhbXO0g2NcO5OKEG8ApzYhP85io4x~Ol~KFwm06TiCGsOa3sSLoHQbddkJ5bfvyGsLk3qZ-Pi7pKK2GhZ-totwVetlx7e4DSQmWc~B~eAbD8GYzcd8f-tqhCyStHYB1asBdBCEQ9y1T-5hBUkFAnpb693Jsd2XKE257mbt~Le1dYdDQ1Or-JLfMpSToYH-sGh13F9ha6nKRbtzASni3EhC32AltFZhGfSLMIW-TGzvlBXZLhyKlLa-wky7dS9nSnL02o2nsVPJpsBbpP8BWMI~vpEh71mMzduw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-15T14:25:50.117Z","article","District staff told the board that several capital projects are moving forward, including work at Bookdale Athletic Stadium, an upgrade of East CLC’s track and a multi-year plan for replacement school construction at the Kenmore site.

The district posted a request for qualifications for architectural services this week for a new concession stand and press box at Bookdale; staff said an architect selection could go to the board for approval in late February or early March and construction could begin in late spring or early summer.

At East CLC, the board heard about three prioritized projects: an LED lighting retrofit (interior and exterior) for energy conservation, exterior masonry repairs and an upgrade to the stadium’s track surface. Staff said the district has commissioned an energy audit and is pursuing federal grant support to offset LED conversion costs. Masonry repairs will be subject to a contract award presented to the board; administrators said they will explore opportunities for construction-pathway students to participate in the work.

The east track upgrade will be built in phases. The district received a $100,000 grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and will match that amount; staff said the first phase will be paving and striping an asphalt surface for easier year-to-year use, with a future phase to add an all-weather synthetic surface if and when funding allows. New bleachers and stadium-ground improvements are also planned.

On the Kenmore project (Piper and Miller South consolidation/new building), the board was told that asbestos abatement and demolition of the old Kenmore High School are slated to begin after board approval this evening, with demolition expected by late May or early June and design work for the new building continuing through the year. New construction is projected to begin in early 2026. Administration said old buildings on the site would be demolished after students move into the new facility so they do not remain as vacant, blighted structures.

Board members asked about lifecycle and maintenance trade-offs for an asphalt vs. all-weather track surface; staff said asphalt is the necessary first step and requires only routine maintenance for approximately five years, while the synthetic surfacing would be a later, higher-cost phase. Members also asked whether buildings left vacant after consolidation would be promptly removed; staff reiterated plans and budget intention to demolish obsolete buildings, noting the district is working with the city and Joint Board of Review on timing.

Administration said they are coordinating RFQs, grant applications and contractor selection and will return to the board with contract awards and further schedules as projects advance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Livestream - 01/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","District staff updated the Akron Board of Education on several capital projects, including Bookdale stadium improvements, a phased East CLC track upgrade funded in part by a Dick’s Sporting Goods grant, and asbestos abatement and demolition for the Kenmore replacement project.","taxTitle","Akron City, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",13225,"location","Ohio","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6389628,"Board says independent review of misconduct allegations has begun after public complaints",20857,3682000,24539000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47&start=3682&end=24539","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47/thumbnail_3682000.jpg","/articles/6389628/Ohio/Board-says-independent-review-of-misconduct-allegations-has-begun-after-public-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389628-559bad5e7b67af3176d1e195a33355c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007847&Signature=R0MFIecy8ouxi~CW9-C0OueKC2DwKn2Ufba0SYWWu-JPHJb~kegRl7IZK1Vx1OlHoBhOzgXFqOkfyVIN1BS1e-DBDk-bOtp1oOJqR3cCrv1fnFJA3AKh9OW4he-IKK9RXlmeV2C1m4zfJ8OWe0pEvguEmPjRz2O2tQUAMHyGxEqWVsJ72s7BP2uKppSv7q5r29o~KiJ6SmvhBaw5d7m6cqGMyCZE-IADFr4~DZ~SwzSS0Eo6-6XiBvN8GYGWo0SCG2ADfHBxBAXttP79K993Y2tgCHMqjZc2MlN4-AhKtrVZsPrytAhSW7D40K3peJ0q5nrsVFFUVUF75Sy7r2NVag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Akron Board of Education said an independent review into allegations of misconduct involving Superintendent Dr. Robertson has begun and that the board’s investigators will take the time necessary to complete a thorough, impartial inquiry.

Several members of the public used the Jan. 13 public-comment period to urge the board to make the investigation findings public. William Reynolds, a local father, said the district must “make the findings of this investigation public,” and speakers on both sides of the dispute urged transparency while expressing sharply different views about the superintendent’s fitness for office.

The board met in executive session under Ohio Revised Code §121.22(g)(1) to discuss personnel matters. After returning to open session shortly after midnight, the board read a statement saying it had engaged the law firm Bridal Mayna Dimon to serve as factfinder, that investigators had reviewed documents and conducted initial interviews, and that no deadline had been set for completion so investigators could take the time needed. The statement said the final report will be made public and that the board will provide updates as the review progresses.

Public comments during the meeting included allegations and defenses. William Reynolds asked the board to prioritize transparency and to “ensure every leader in this district is held accountable.” Cynthia Blake, another speaker, urged the board not to suspend the superintendent, calling the allegations part of “a playbook” to remove him. Other commentators noted community concern about posters and public protests; the district’s communications office had previously asked the Akron Police Department to investigate posters placed around town.

Board members recessed to executive session to discuss employment-related matters under the cited Ohio statute. At the end of the meeting the board again stated the outside firm is conducting the review and that it will release the final report when available. The board provided no timetable for the investigation.

The board’s statement and the engagement of an external factfinder mark a formal step in the district’s response. The board said it would issue further updates but did not announce personnel actions while the review continues.","The Akron Board of Education said Jan. 13 that it has engaged an outside law firm to investigate allegations of misconduct involving Superintendent Dr. Robertson.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6389633,"Carla Jackson elected board president as Akron board adopts calendar, committees and several policies",655,544000,1199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47&start=544&end=1199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47/thumbnail_544000.jpg","/articles/6389633/Ohio/Carla-Jackson-elected-board-president-as-Akron-board-adopts-calendar-committees-and-several-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389633-e2b63d1b9bc29caeb7bed538eda401ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007847&Signature=PXvOzZhIbYGXegBGZG41JVQDiwEm7mbHX-qM4fH2ONEwiK-WhDjmvQin58mey093UnLoSIKu2NMu75kBvix9P0-1G3DkTMKeLCLPNiSNujWXD66eMZ0xMiY83UlOfzH7m~tEYjIWkifNNS35EvK3iik7Mikjqc60IPSKxElUh9Eil1cpOLwv~VJAKDHxoMWFd5M8Z2Mgp8ZG0H5EP0YHMGIprZwkHIC2NQ6ap~5MAEICJ0GIE37oSOpO6Thq4c09wrehFWCVWSGsNwLX3RAC-Um1FIhoIKN2T3aCwdG3Pu8Lh93r0bqIycrpYCSIvGyq0fA-GJAMrED301LnUJOXYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carla Jackson was elected president of the Akron Board of Education at its Jan. 13 meeting, and Bruce Alexander was chosen vice president in roll-call votes that split the seven-member board.

The board also adopted its 2025 meeting calendar, finalized committee assignments and approved two policies on attendance and wellness. The board voted on a package of routine finance and administrative items, including acceptance of the November financial forecast and a standard resolution to authorize advances on local tax receipts.

The votes followed nominations and brief discussion on leadership. Member Diana Autry nominated Jackson for president. Member Barbara Sykes nominated Bruce Alexander, then nominated herself for president; both candidates addressed the board before the roll call. After the votes Jackson received a majority and was sworn in; Alexander was later selected vice president and also took the oath of office.

Board members then approved a 2025 calendar of meetings and amended committee rosters to comply with policy that committees include three members. The board assigned members to Legal Contracts & Board Policy; Finance & Capital Management; Instructional Policy & Student Achievement; and Equity Policy committees, and designated delegates and alternates for the Ohio School Boards Association.

On policy, the board adopted Policy 52100 (Attendance) and Policy 8510 (Wellness) on their third and final readings. Treasurer and staff reports preceded votes on the district’s November financial forecast and routine fiscal resolutions; board members were told the forecast shows improving trends and that bond and certificate funds must be used per their legal restrictions.

Votes at a glance
- Election of board president: Motion to elect Carla Jackson — Outcome: approved, roll-call tally reported as 4 yes, 3 no. (Yes: Autry, Hall, Jackson, Alexander; No: Harrison, Doctor Molnar, Sykes.)
- Election of vice president: Motion to elect Bruce Alexander — Outcome: approved, roll-call tally reported as 4 yes, 3 no.
- Adopt 2025 board meeting calendar: Outcome: approved, 7–0.
- Committee assignments (Legal Contracts & Board Policy; Finance & Capital Management; Instructional Policy & Student Achievement; Equity Policy): Outcome: approved, 7–0.
- Policy 52100 (Attendance): Outcome: adopted, 7–0.
- Policy 8510 (Wellness): Outcome: adopted, 7–0.
- Approve November 2024 financial report: Outcome: approved, 7–0.
- Resolution to authorize advancement of local taxes (standard annual authorization): Outcome: approved, 7–0.
- Resolution to appoint public records designee: Outcome: approved, 7–0.

Board members and staff emphasized that many of the finance items reflect timing and statutory limits: bond proceeds are restricted to specific projects, and the district must meet expenditure deadlines tied to passages of bond issues. Treasurer staff said they will bring detailed breakdowns and educational items to upcoming Finance Committee meetings.

The newly elected board president outlined next steps for committee work and encouraged community participation in upcoming cornerstone and strategic-plan meetings scheduled for late February.","Carla Jackson was elected president of the Akron Board of Education and Bruce Alexander elected vice president. The board adopted its 2025 meeting calendar, completed committee assignments, approved two policies and passed several routine finance and administrative resolutions, including the November financial report.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6389618,"Student representative asks for sports and clubs at Akron Early College; parents raise cheer team mistreatment and discipline concerns",0,4080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47&start=4080&end=4080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113199-39f58b7933835941ee97071d805d6e47/thumbnail_4080000.jpg","/articles/6389618/Ohio/Student-representative-asks-for-sports-and-clubs-at-Akron-Early-College-parents-raise-cheer-team-mistreatment-and-discipline-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389618-44e2b74876513dc6c72888ca9bf7e260/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007847&Signature=mSstQx8-SSF~MOxk2aiD~9G-6Yke8PIlIsl8Wij~wxCYtzevoT7ySBVF4ukPwjd1k9rjqKfUZuwP1es1QjWycr87KaJuGPYXcI-isPDBK5GMc7Gqze3Hm6v3h6-03~pOEv3DqfEGGmcdvkzl7Q8C4lelpqY8eNHjOtlMuE0RPfUQ1tQ~8ngNhzYZBgv9pQ1bUKpZTZjN-8KWbl4ykRgKYV65~QAQl0BbFncn6i9gE5By7rq715O0zo-prNEG0S4llt8uB0FWVY5BpSUhD3oxezBpcM3Xy3US5O-oJHOo444~113CrJTvXYn00mcB1f~JJxj6490QpDNiSTBkN61Ybw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shaila Davis, the Akron Early College student representative, asked the Akron Board of Education to authorize sports teams, a DECA adviser and funding for broader college visits at her small school.

Davis told the board that Akron Early College offers opportunities to earn college credit but lacks many sports and competitive clubs. She described the school as “intimate” and said students would benefit from an expanded slate of athletics — basketball, volleyball, track and soccer — and a DECA program with a designated adviser so students could compete at city, state and national levels. She also asked for district support and funding for college visits beyond the University of Akron to increase exposure to other institutions.

During the public-comment period, several parents from the Bookdale cluster raised a separate issue: they said a cheerleader with a hearing loss had been singled out by a coach and excluded from sideline lines and games after multiple incidents. Parent Eramis Fletcher recounted that her daughter made the JV team and had been told by the coach that if she knew the cheers she could perform; she said the coach later barred the girl from participating at a game for an alleged uniform violation and that school-level complaints had not produced a resolution.

Fletcher said she and other parents had contacted the principal, the athletic director and central office staff without resolution and asked the board to hold the cheer coach and staff accountable for mistreatment. Board members acknowledged Fletcher’s comment on the record and said the superintendent and appropriate staff had been notified and would follow up through the district’s channels.

The student’s request and the parents’ complaints were separate agenda items: Davis delivered a prepared school report during the student representative segment; Fletcher spoke during the public-comment portion. Board members said staff would follow up on both items through the superintendent’s office and the appropriate administrators.

The board did not act on either request at the meeting but noted both items for follow-up.","Akron Early College student board representative Shaila Davis urged the board to allow more sports, establish a DECA adviser and fund more college visits. Separately, parents of a Bookdale Cluster cheerleader told the board the girl was singled out and excluded from games; they asked for district follow-up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board gets updates on stadium, East CLC track, lighting and Kenmore rebuild; demolition to follow new construction

Board says independent review of misconduct allegations has begun after public complaints

Carla Jackson elected board president as Akron board adopts calendar, committees and several policies

Student representative asks for sports and clubs at Akron Early College; parents raise cheer team mistreatment and discipline concerns