AKRON, Ohio-Akron Public Schools’ new full-day pre-kindergarten program is facing significant challenges, primarily due to staffing shortages that teachers say threaten the safety and hygiene of young students. Despite Superintendent Michael Robinson’s focus on the program’s expansion, teachers have reported feeling unsupported and unprepared, highlighting issues such as inadequate paraprofessional staffing and unclear procedural guidelines. The administration’s guidance regarding mandatory 90-minute nap times has also been contentious, with teachers saying it aims to address staffing shortages but creates unsafe conditions. They worry about the appropriateness of leaving a single staff member in charge during these periods, which further complicates the challenges they face.
