AKRON, Ohio-Akron Public Schools commissioned Burns/Van Fleet’s “Transition Report” to assess the district’s performance under Superintendent Dr. C. Michael Robinson’s leadership. The report, based on interviews with various stakeholders, highlights strengths like the high school curriculum but also identifies weaknesses such as low student expectations and poor test scores.
It criticizes the lack of accountability and governance issues within the district, particularly the blurred lines between the Board of Education and the Superintendent’s administrative duties. The report recommends measures to improve professional development, establish a culture of high expectations, and clarify roles within the district. Despite facing budget cuts and a deficit, APS aims to address these challenges with community support and a new school levy and bond issue on the November ballot. Robinson declined to comment on the report but emphasized his commitment to fair treatment and improvement.
