Abuse
Akron Schools’ Board Member Accuses Superintendent of Bullying, Making Threats
Source: https://signalakron.org/
In July, Akron Board of Education Member Rene Molenaur sent an eight-page letter to her fellow board members expressing serious concerns about Superintendent Michael Robinson. She described a pattern of unprofessional and abrasive communication from Robinson, which she believed could lead the school district’s leadership in a “dangerous direction.
Key Highlight:
- Molenaur accused Robinson of bullying her, recalling an incident where he shouted at her during a virtual meeting, prompting concerns from others present. She cited specific comments he made, including accusations of her trying to “play” him and warnings that he would not tolerate any challenges to his authority. Despite her efforts to build a professional relationship with Robinson after he was hired in July 2023, their interactions deteriorated, leading her to escalate her concerns to board leadership before writing the letter to the entire board.
- Board President Diana Autry stated that the concerns raised by Akron Board Member Rene Molenaur in her July letter were addressed in the superintendent’s evaluation. She emphasized that the majority of the board supports the superintendent and is focused on advancing the district’s progress, noting that issues with one board member do not affect the overall health of the district. Molenaur’s letter was made public ahead of the upcoming Election Day, when residents will vote on Issue 27, a combined operating and construction levy for the district. Molenaur clarified that she aimed to encourage growth in the superintendent’s leadership, stressing the importance of responsible decision-making for the greater good.
- In her letter to fellow board members, Akron Board Member Rene Molenaur presented personal experiences as opportunities for professional improvement for Superintendent Michael Robinson, emphasizing the board’s responsibility to foster growth. The letter was shared on July 2, just before the superintendent’s evaluation, and included her request for an executive session to discuss her concerns. Board President Diana Autry expressed that Molenaur’s concerns could distract from the district’s primary focus on students, stating that airing personnel issues in the media is neither proper nor healthy, especially at a time when children need support.
- Board Member Barbara Sykes declined to comment on the situation, and other members could not be reached for publication. Superintendent Michael Robinson also chose not to comment; he is currently in his second year of a five-year contract. Rene Molenaur, who was appointed to the board in April 2023 and elected to continue in November, stated in her July letter that she was bringing attention to what she described as workplace bullying, citing threats, offensive remarks, and interference in her work as significant issues. Her term is set to run until December 2027.
- After a virtual meeting where Superintendent Michael Robinson allegedly yelled at Board Member Rene Molenaur, it was decided they would no longer meet in person. Instead, Molenaur would submit questions via Google Form before each meeting. In her July letter, Molenaur expressed concerns about transparency, especially regarding high-cost programs and staffing changes during a significant budget cut.
- She criticized Robinson’s performance review, suggesting he attend professional development for communication, which was ultimately not included in his evaluation. Molenaur noted a lack of transparency around financial impacts and salaries, stating that this hindered informed decision-making for the board. Board President Diana Autry disagreed, claiming that Molenaur’s questions had been answered. Despite this, Molenaur felt critical information was being withheld, emphasizing the need for clarity to maintain trust with the community.
Image Source: https://signalakron.org/
