GRAFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio-Students at Garfield Community Learning Center in Akron walked out of school to protest proposed layoffs by Akron Public Schools. Emma Reed, a junior at Garfield, organized the walkout and emphasized the importance of the teachers, calling them family and expressing concern about the impact of layoffs on education quality.
Akron Public Schools proposed $24 million in cuts, including the elimination of 285 positions. The Akron Education Association will lose about 200 positions, affecting classroom and non-classroom jobs. Students expressed shock and disappointment, organizing a protest in the gymnasium with signs saying “save our teachers.” Six student organizers gave speeches, highlighting the unfairness of layoffs to their favorite teachers. Megan Oyster, an impacted teacher, expressed disappointment, having started teaching at Garfield recently.
