DOWNTOWN AKRON, Ohio-The Akron Education Association (AEA) is proceeding with its lawsuit against Akron Public Schools (APS) board members and Superintendent C. Michael Robinson Jr. despite the board’s decision to rescind the contract with Varsity Tutors. AEA filed a grievance on January 18, asserting that outsourcing educator jobs to an out-of-state vendor violated their collective bargaining agreement.
Despite efforts to resolve the issue, including a meeting on January 30, the board denied the grievance, leading to an Unfair Labor Practice claim by the union. The lawsuit focuses on the alleged tampering with a public record, specifically edits made to a video of the January 8 board meeting.
During a recent board meeting, teachers expressed dismay over the initial approval of the Varsity Tutors contract, calling for an apology to the AEA and urging the administration to repair the relationship with educators. Former APS board member, Rev. Dr. Curtis Walker, expressed disappointment in AEA’s approach, suggesting failure to cooperate and negotiate. The board does not comment on public requests during meetings.
