An independent investigation into Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson has been completed, and the board has received the results. These findings will be further discussed during the upcoming meeting on Tuesday.
The Akron Public Schools Board of Education held a meeting that lasted over six hours on Monday night. Among the key topics addressed were the district’s proposal to implement budget cuts exceeding $10 million, the revocation of policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the consideration of placing Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson on administrative leave. This decision comes as the board gets ready to examine the findings of the independent investigation into allegations of misconduct against him.
Budget cuts postponed for further review
While a final resolution on the budget cuts was not reached, the board did vote to postpone the discussion on all agenda items connected to the district’s reduction in force plan until the Finance Committee meeting on April 21. The proposed plan involves cutting a total of 17 positions, including eight teaching positions. The roles at risk of being eliminated encompass job training coordinators for students with disabilities, school psychologists, a teacher consultant, and an art therapist.
Members of the Finance committee expressed concern about a lack of detailed information regarding the reductions, especially as the Akron Education Association — the union representing teachers and support staff in APS — recently filed additional unfair labor practice charges against both the school board and Robinson in connection with the proposed cuts.
After the district’s Chief of Staff Angela Carter and Facilities Service Director Steven Keenan outlined the fiscal reorganization and restructuring plan that included the personnel reduction in force and cuts to operational expenses, Board Member Rene Molenaur called the presentation “incredibly inappropriate.”
“At the 3/17 (March 17) meeting that was referred to several times, I think the finance committee made it explicitly clear that we expected detailed financial information, not a theoretical presentation regarding the reorganization plan,” Molenaur said. “That detailed financial information was going to come back through the finance committee for proper review.”
Equity policies repealed
In a significant policy shift, the board also voted to repeal several policies tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes ending the board’s Equity Committee and repealing board policies on equity, racial equity, and working definitions for diversity, equity, inclusion, and excellence in education.
The move was presented as a response to a February “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the Trump administration. That letter advised school districts that failing to align DEI policies with the administration’s interpretation of federal law could put federal funding at risk.
Motion to place superintendent on leave withdrawn
Not officially on the agenda was a vote to place Robinson on leave. However, Board Member Gregory Harrison made a motion for the board to accept a resolution to place the superintendent on paid leave during the “new business” portion of the agenda.
On Monday, Board President Carla Jackson confirmed to 3News the board was scheduled to receive the results of the four-month-long investigation into Robinson on Monday. Members plan to discuss the report and potential actions at a special meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Robinson has been publicly accused of union busting, violating public records laws by sending disappearing emails, calling female reporters a derogatory name, and bullying, among other accusations.
Harrison later withdrew his motion after Board Member Barbara Sykes asked the board to take time on his resolution.
“It would be reasonable to take time, so I defer to Member Sykes’ wisdom, and I take time. I would ask for time,” Harrison said.
The special board meeting is set to take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
