AKRON, Ohio-The Akron Board of Education has shortlisted five candidates from 20 applicants for a vacant board seat, following Job Perry’s resignation. The candidates are:
1. William Blake: Director of programming for the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival and involved with the NAACP. He has ties to local nonprofits and a background in broadcast production.
2. Gwen Bryant: A longtime educator in Akron with experience as an elementary teacher and instructional coach. She previously ran for the board, finishing fourth in the recent election.
3. Carolyn Felton: A long-term substitute teacher with experience in educational programs at the University of Akron. She emphasizes her skills in problem-solving for educational issues.
4. Gregory Harrison: Senior pastor at Antioch Baptist Church and a former detective with the Akron Police Department. He became involved in advocacy after personal experiences with the education system.
5. Evelyn Rizzo: A healthcare management consultant who founded Mobility HEOR in 2023. She has experience in data analysis and strategic decision-making.
Interviews are scheduled for October 15, with a decision expected shortly thereafter. The appointed candidate will serve until December 31, 2025, and can run for reelection.
https://signalakron.org/vacant-akron-school-board-seat-candidates/
