Podcasts about akron public schools

In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Christine Fowler-Mack—former Superintendent of Akron Public Schools and current CEO of Reimagine Solutions—to unpack what it truly takes to lead large, complex school systems in the A/C (After COVID) stage of education. Christine shares her three signature leadership principles—authenticity, adaptive coherence, and collective genius—and challenges us to move from compliance-driven practices to bold, equity-centered transformation. Together, they explore the critical intersection of policy, innovation, and human-centered design, highlighting how generative AI, disciplined inquiry, and intentional pacing can elevate outcomes for all students. Whether you're a superintendent, strategist, or systems leader, this conversation offers actionable insight on how to lead with purpose—and build blueprints that last.

Akron's board of education accepted the resignation of the current superintendent and hired its next district leader without a search. It all happened in one very long meeting this week. Out is Michael Robinson who leaves after less than two years leading the district. An investigation found allegations that he bullied and intimidated staff were credible. In is Mary Outley. She's twice been the interim superintendent and was tapped for the job when the board put Robinson on leave earlier this month due to the investigation into complaints against him. We will begin the Friday “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with the district's change in leadership.

The board of the Akron Public Schools placed Superintendent Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave this week after an independent investigation found credible allegations of abusive behavior, bullying and retaliation toward staff. The board held a special meeting this week after receiving the report. Robinson signed a five-year contract with Akron Public Schools in the summer of 2023 and is on leave pending board action. We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with Education Reporter discussing the report and why not all board members voted to place the superintendent on leave.

Officials are investigating a deadly police-involved shooting in Columbus; UAW members in Toledo say they were informed that planned Stellantis layoffs will be delayed; Akron Public Schools board says it is going to investigate superintendent; zoos in Tennessee and Columbus place a friendly wager on the OSU playoff game.

On Election Day, voters in Cleveland overwhelmingly approved a new 10-year, 8.6 mill levy to fund operations. The issue also included a renewal of an expiring bond issue. But despite the levy's passage, the financial fortunes ahead for the district are rocky. A five-year forecast approved by CMSD's board of education this week show steep cuts are still needed to prevent the district from running into the red. The Akron Public Schools administration led by Superintendent Michael Robinson has been told by its board of education to find more places to cut in its expenses. The district also passed a combined levy and bond issue earlier this month. We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with the financial choices ahead for the two districts. 

A recent incident in the district is under investigation by Akron police after a video showed one officer striking a 16-year-old student three times in the head, while he and another officer attempted to arrest him.

00:00 Students in the Akron Public Schools are getting ready for a new school year. It is the second year under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson. To begin Wednesday's “Sound of Ideas,” we will sit down with Robinson to talk about his first year leading Akron Public Schools and the year ahead as students return to class. 39:10 Then, the coalition that worked to put an anti-gerrymandering amendment on the November ballot has filed suit against the Ohio Ballot Board.

Alex Kotran is the CEO and co-founder of The AI Education Project (aiEDU). Alex has worked in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector for nearly a decade and has spent much of his career in community organizing and campaigns. Alex founded aiEDU in 2019 after he learned that the Akron Public Schools and many other districts did not offer students any kind of instruction designed to help them understand AI or the ways in which career pathways are changing.

This week, we are discussing the many strategies utilized in Akron Public Schools to create consistency and high-fidelity implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (otherwise known as PBIS). Nearly every district we work with, of every size, situation, and location, finds that it is extremely challenging to get all buildings doing the same thing - or at least meeting district non-negotiables that keep everyone aligned to the same set of priorities. And of all the districts are who making the shift to a district-wide focus, only one in Region 8 has a whopping 47 buildings to coordinate, and that is Akron Public Schools. Today, we're talking with Nicole Hassan, APS Coordinator of School Climate, and Taylor Hair, APS District Instructional Specialist, about the many creative strategies their district uses to make this happen. Co-Host: Heidi Kerchenski, SST8 Educational Consultant Additional Resources: District Systems Fidelity Inventory (DSFI; website and resource download)

The ban was expanded to 13 middle and high schools in the district in August.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024: Ring camera audio captures "it's the wrong house" at home where police flash-bang sent a toddler to the ICU. Plus, we share what we know about what authorities are calling a human trafficking bust in Stark County. We also look at changes coming to Akron Public Schools thanks to redistricting, and the final deal between the Haslams and Warren Buffett over the sale of Pilot Flying J Centers shares. Then, we tell you where you can get shirtless photos with at least one Cleveland Browns player, and more on 3News Daily with Stephanie Haney. Watch Stephanie Haney's Legally Speaking specials and segments here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SLtTChKczKEzKhgSopjxcmFQniu28GN Connect with Stephanie Haney here: http://youtube.com/@_StephanieHaney http://twitter.com/_StephanieHaney http://instagram.com/_StephanieHaney http://facebook.com/thestephaniehaney Read more here: City of Elyria releases bodycam video of controversial police raid family claims was conducted at wrong house https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/lorain-county/elyria-bodycam-video-controversial-police-raid/95-6c77f15d-ceea-4e7f-9d57-16f6bedfb296 Parents voice concerns over Akron's plan to move STEM High School to East CLC building https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/akron/akrons-stem-high-school-move-east-clc-redistricting/95-d9127535-5a35-40a4-91a5-9312c1b8468c

Tuesday, December 12, 2023: The man who was convicted of murdering a Twinsburg police officer is asking for the death penalty to be dropped due delusions he claims he was suffering at the time of the killing. Plus, we tell you where a suspected murderer has turned himself in, and who has been arrested in a suspected road rage killing. We also share what officer is getting an aware for life-saving heroics, Akron residents' concerns over redistricting as enrollment has decreased significantly, and which high school is preparing students for jobs in the computer chip industry. Then we show you 4 of the 8 winning snow plow names for Northeast Ohio, and more on 3News Daily with Stephanie Haney. Watch Stephanie Haney's Legally Speaking specials and segments here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SLtTChKczKEzKhgSopjxcmFQniu28GN Connect with Stephanie Haney here: http://youtube.com/@_StephanieHaney http://twitter.com/_StephanieHaney http://instagram.com/_StephanieHaney http://facebook.com/thestephaniehaney Read more here: Akron Public Schools officials hold community meetings on redistricting plan, which includes 3 school closures https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/akron/akron-closing-3-schools-redistricting-plan/95-7d9c3d39-8f5f-4bca-979b-8a93fbb82ce8 Akron man arrested in connection with deadly shooting, crash on I-77 in Green: Suspect's bond set at $1 million https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/crime/akron-man-arrested-deadly-shooting-crash-i-77-green/95-8437630b-056c-4beb-be0a-d2f1df5fec07

The vote Monday means another Akron neighborhood, North Hill, will have to wait for a building replacement.

News you Need for Tuesday April 18, 2023. Trending now, a special grand jury denied to indict the Akron police officers that shot Jayland Walker a dozen times, killing him. Akron Public Schools are closed and The University of Akron classes are all remote. The deadline to file your taxes is today.  In Hollywood, the Love is Blind reunion is FINALLY out after technical difficulties. Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes reps say they aren't together, but Camila told paparazzi they were back together. A video of Hailey Bieber comforting husband Justin at Coachella has gone viral. Fans have tons of theories as to what was going on with Justin, some allege he's have a panic attack, while others guess he has a stomach ache.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is pushing hard for schools throughout Ohio to return to teaching reading through the phonics method, as opposed to the "whole language" method, because data shows this is the path to better reading comprehension and results for young children. Jeanne Destro talked about it with Akron Public Schools Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Nicole Vitale, to find out how they do it at Akron Public Schools, and where they are in terms of making that the preferred method of teaching.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is pushing hard for schools throughout Ohio to return to teaching reading through the phonics method, as opposed to the "whole language" method, because data shows this is the path to better reading comprehension and results for young children. Jeanne Destro talked about it with Akron Public Schools Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Nicole Vitale, to find out how they do it at Akron Public Schools, and where they are in terms of making that the preferred method of teaching.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023: The Ohio EPA has cleared 300 East Palestine homes for dangerous chemicals after a train derailed in the area while carrying vinyl chloride. We also share the details we know about the 67th mass shooting this year that happened at Michigan State University last night, where 3 college students were killed. Plus, hear the latest that Euclid police are saying about two officers who shot and killed a dog, what we know about the Akron Public Schools superintendent stepping down, and how Akron schools hope to keep students off cell phones in the classroom. We also let you know which Cleveland native will be getting the Medal of Honor, where couples have been getting married today around Northeast Ohio, and more on 3News Daily with Stephanie Haney. Watch the Legally Speaking special on the FirstEnergy bribery scandal here: https://youtu.be/XiG5kRNyyLs Connect with Stephanie Haney here: http://twitter.com/_StephanieHaney http://instagram.com/_StephanieHaney http://facebook.com/thestephaniehaney Read more here: Michigan State shooting: Gunman identified, found with note threatening 2 other schools https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/michigan-state-university-shootings-several-hurt/507-8c1562b2-1c9b-4c9b-b80c-9acf806657c5 U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg comments on East Palestine train derailment https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/secretary-transportation-pete-buttigieg-comments-east-palestine-train-derailment/95-984ed4c6-044d-4f10-b61b-f8273618c322 Akron Public Schools Superintendent Christine Fowler-Mack resigns https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/akron/akron-public-school-superintendent-christine-fowler-mack-resignation/95-f46450b3-422e-43ed-a363-faf43f4065e0

Ohio State University president Kristina Johnson reacts to deadly shootings on campus of Michigan State University; Case Western Reserve locked down yesterday after a report of a man with a gun on campus; Akron Public Schools superintendent stepping down; there's a better way to enjoy Valentine's Day chocolate.

Christine Fowler Mack is resigning as superintendent of Akron Public Schools. President of the Akron Board of Education, Dr. Derrick Hall, joined Ray to talk about the resignation, the search for a new superintendent, Mary Outley-Kelly, and what's to come.

Christine Fowler Mack is resigning as superintendent of Akron Public Schools. President of the Akron Board of Education, Dr. Derrick Hall, joined Ray to talk about the resignation, the search for a new superintendent, Mary Outley-Kelly, and what's to come.

Akron Public Schools are forging a new partnership with Akron-based global retailer, Signet Jewelers; home to brands including KAY, Zales, and Jared. Marcie Ebright, who is an Instructional Technology Specialist at Akron Public Schools, says students will get hands-on training in subjects including Entrepreneurship and Marketing, H-VAC-R, IT Support, and more. To hear Morning Show Host, Ray Horner's entire interview with Marcie, click here.

Akron Public Schools are forging a new partnership with Akron-based global retailer, Signet Jewelers; home to brands including KAY, Zales, and Jared. Marcie Ebright, who is an Instructional Technology Specialist at Akron Public Schools, says students will get hands-on training in subjects including Entrepreneurship and Marketing, H-VAC-R, IT Support, and more. To hear Morning Show Host, Ray Horner's entire interview with Marcie, click here.

Monday, the Akron Public Schools Board of Education Elected Derrick Hall as President, and Diana Autry as Vice President. Derrick joined Ray to talk about the district and the agreement with AEA.

Monday, the Akron Public Schools Board of Education Elected Derrick Hall as President, and Diana Autry as Vice President. Derrick joined Ray to talk about the district and the agreement with AEA.

Mark Williamson of Akron Public Schools joined Ray to discuss the agreement between APS and AEA Sunday.

Mark Williamson of Akron Public Schools joined Ray to discuss the agreement between APS and AEA Sunday.

Akron Public School's COO, Stephen Thompson joined Ray. They discussed security changes coming to the district. The Akron Board of Education approved 3.5 million dollars in upgrades. Ray and Stephen talked about the details and the timeline.

Akron Public School's COO, Stephen Thompson joined Ray. They discussed security changes coming to the district. The Akron Board of Education approved 3.5 million dollars in upgrades. Ray and Stephen talked about the details and the timeline.

Presentation: The role of public education is to ensure every child in America is provided an opportunity to reach their full potential in ways that prepare them for success in a global society. The pandemic, however, exposed glaring inequities in America's education system, and school districts were forced to rethink the way they've operated over the last century. Hear Christine Fowler Mack, Superintendent of Akron Public Schools, talk about these issues and more. Speaker: Born and raised in Akron and educated in Akron Public Schools (APS), Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack is an experienced school district leader whose first classroom experience was in the APS system as a teacher at Robinson Elementary School from 1989 – 1995. Following that, Fowler Mack was a student dean and teacher leader for two years in APS. For more event details and full speaker bio please visit https://bit.ly/3DhJvJm

Social Studies Teacher with Akron Public Schools, Adam Motter, joined Jeanne Destro today to talk about preparing students financially. With student debt, inflation, and more, APS is providing their students with the tools to manage their future.

Social Studies Teacher with Akron Public Schools, Adam Motter, joined Jeanne Destro today to talk about preparing students financially. With student debt, inflation, and more, APS is providing their students with the tools to manage their future.

Mark Williamson, Director Marketing Communications at Akron Public Schools, joined Ray to talk about the decision to not arm their teachers. Williamson said they believe they have better options and that arming the staff makes them more vulnerable.

Mark Williamson, Director Marketing Communications at Akron Public Schools, joined Ray to talk about the decision to not arm their teachers. Williamson said they believe they have better options and that arming the staff makes them more vulnerable.

As we close in on the end of this podcast season, and the end of another busy school year, we're continuing to challenge ourselves with the question: Why are we still doing that? (Also the title of a great little book by Persida and William Himmele!) In this episode, we're looking at social studies - why do we continue to short-change it as an instructional priority? In this episode, SST8's Sarah Egan-Reeves talks to two state and local leaders in the area of social studies: Jim O'Connor, President of the Ohio Council for the Social Studies, and Adam Motter, a Learning Specialist for Social Studies in Akron Public Schools. In this ever-changing and complex society we live in, it's critical that students understand our past and present in order to be prepared for the future - and we know that high-quality social studies instruction is a major part of how our children prepare to participate in our society as adults… and we know that it contributes to improved reading ability and overall learning! Co-Host: Sarah Egan-Reeves, SST8 Educational Consultant Additional Resources Ohio Council for the Social Studies Sojourner Truth statue to honor Akron's historic role in women's suffrage movement (article | 2021) Attack on Capitol, Inauguration Offer Real-Time Social Studies Lessons (article | 2021)

Ray talked to Superintendent of Akron Public Schools, Christine Fowler Mack. They discuss a fight that broke out during the Buchtel & East basketball game, the new Be Kind 330 Initiative, and why she wants to add staff.

Ray talked to Dr. Sylvester Small, the first black Superintendent of Akron Public Schools. Dr. Small has been a big part of the community with work in the NAACP, Leadership Akron, Coming Together Project, and more. They discuss the family move to Akron, his work in the Akron Public School District, community, and more.

For the last two years, businesses both large and small have had to adapt when it comes to protecting employees in regards to COVID-19. The same goes for schools, from remote learning to socially-distanced desks, to masking and, in some areas, vaccine requirements. Debra Foulk is the executive director of business affairs inside Akron Public Schools, and she is also the COVID coordinator inside the district, and she talked to the Ray Horner Morning Show about the guidelines and protocol for the students and staff. This ranges from required masking to the decreased quarantine time, as recently updated by the CDC.

For the last two years, businesses both large and small have had to adapt when it comes to protecting employees in regards to COVID-19. The same goes for schools, from remote learning to socially-distanced desks, to masking and, in some areas, vaccine requirements. Debra Foulk is the executive director of business affairs inside Akron Public Schools, and she is also the COVID coordinator inside the district, and she talked to the Ray Horner Morning Show about the guidelines and protocol for the students and staff. This ranges from required masking to the decreased quarantine time, as recently updated by the CDC.

There are many detours to equity, Dr. N.J. Akbar gives us insight into what to look for. Also in the discussion are guidelines to equity and board leadership. . . . issuesineducation.net Akronschools.com Nakbar@apslearns.org

In this edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb and Beacon Journal reporter Jen Pignolet are joined by Olyvia Raber, a senior at Akron Public Schools' Firestone Community Learning Center. They talk about discipline and behavior issues at public schools since districts have returned to in-person instruction. They also highlight the importance of mental health awareness and care among students.

In February of 1996, the plug was pulled on WAKC-TV, or as the locals know it, TV-23. In those 25 years, many Akron residents still fondly remember the days when the city had a television station. Mark Williamson has worked for Mayor Don Plusquellic and is now the communications director at Akron Public Schools, but prior to those jobs, he was a news anchor at TV-23. He joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to remember the days of 23, why the station did not survive, and why Akronites continue missing having that option for news nearly three decades later.

On this edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb is joined by opera singer and music teacher Brian Keith Johnson. Johnson, a 32-year veteran of Akron Public Schools, recently sang the national anthem at the Browns-Steelers game in Cleveland. “There are two songs, this is my personal opinion, that you don't mess with,” Johnson said. “You don't mess with the school's alma mater, you do it as it was written. And for the most part, you do the national anthem as it was written, as Francis Scott Key wrote it. So that is what I do out of respect for the composer, out of respect for the music and out of respect for the country.”

Akron Public School teachers are concerned about violence in the schools, citing recent instances of students bringing in guns, fighting, assaulting teachers, and even shooting off fireworks in the classroom. So, the leadership of the Akron Education Association--the union that represents teachers--has filed notice that they have "no confidence" in the Director of the APS office that handles student discipline issues, and they're talking now with school officials about how to resolve the situation. We reached out to APS Superintendent Christine Fowler-Mack earlier this week for comment, but were told that she did not want to comment publicly at this time, and would prefer to focus on working with the union on issue. Today, Jeanne Destro, filling in for Ray Horner on our morning show, talked about the issue from the teachers' union point of view, with Akron Education Association (AEA) President, Pat Shipe.

Bullying has been an issue in schools since in-person learning began, but due to social media, it has been exacerbated. Dan Rambler is with Akron Public Schools, and he joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to talk about how proactive APS is in trying to head off instances of bullying. Due to social media, bullying is not just a kid getting picked on physically anymore at recess or after school, and Rambler talked about how to offset these instances, especially since much of it is being done away from the classroom.

Mark Williamson - Akron Public Schools

Christine Fowler-Mack - Superintendent, Akron Public Schools

Dr. Julie Davis has a conversation with Dr. Melissa Weber-Mayrer, Director of ODE's Office of Approaches to Teaching and Professional Learning, LaMonica Davis, principal of Helen Arnold CLC in Akron Public Schools and member of the Ohio Dyslexia Committee, and Maggie Oliver, finalist for Ohio Teacher of the Year and reading specialist at Helen Arnold CLC in Akron Public Schools. Their enthusiastic conversation gives a behind the scenes look at Ohio's recent dyslexia legislation, the work ODE is doing to help educators implement the legislation and how practitioners are embracing multi-tiered systems of reading instruction and using this as a great opportunity to instill a love of reading in ALL learners.   Links and Resources: ODE Website Dyslexia Page FAQ page on Dyslexia Intervention and Support Ohio Dyslexia Committee information Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook- slated to be completed Dec.31, 2021 Regional Early Literacy Specialists Higher Ed work with ODE- Ohio Deans Compact P20 Literacy Collaborative Striving Readers Site Annual Literacy Academy Nancy Young's Ladder of Reading graphic Neuhaus Education Center OAESA's 4th Annual Reading Summit—virtual via Zoom on Oct. 12, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm

On this edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb and Beacon Journal education reporter Jennifer Pignolet are joined by new Akron Public Schools Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack. Fowler Mack is starting her second month in the position, and she's the first woman and first Black woman to hold the job. An Akron graduate herself from East High School, she comes to Akron from Cleveland schools, where she helped oversee the Cleveland Plan to transform high schools similarly to the way Akron has implemented College and Career Academies. 

Akron Public Schools preparing for the new school year with a mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors.

Triv and John are in talking about the latest news with Browns WR Antonio Callaway who was cited for marijuana possession and driving under a suspended license. A report from Cleveland.com says that the Akron Public Schools are paying the majority of the cost of the new I Promise School, should LeBron pay for more of the school? Today, marks the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon accepting the Republican nomination for President, is he the worst President in the modern era? Plus, John makes an announcement on his future on The Spew.