Superintendent David James will discuss the state of Akron Public Schools at the Akron Press Club’s luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the University of Akron’s Martin Center. There will be the opportunity for questions following the speech.
James led a successful campaign to pass a 7.9-mill school levy in November. The levy, which was approved with nearly 60 percent of the vote, will raise $19.2 million annually. The district had projected a $4.7 million deficit at the end of this fiscal year and $27 million by the end of fiscal 2014.
Akron schools made $19 million in cuts in May, which included 84 teacher layoffs, a reduction of hours for school custodians and the elimination of elementary school band and orchestra programs and middle school sports.
James became superintendent of Ohio’s fifth-largest school district in August 2008. During his tenure, James has led the district through a school building program and the opening of a STEM school specializing in science, technology, engineering and math.
James joined the Akron schools in 1992. He is a 1980 graduate of John Adams High School in Cleveland and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Cleveland State University in 1991 and a master's degree in public administration from CSU in 1997.
In 2007 he received the Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award for Education. James is a 2008 graduate of the Leadership Akron program. He lives in Akron with his wife. His two children attend Akron Public Schools.
Details:
Speaker: David James, Akron Public Schools superintendent.
Time: Buffet luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 14. Program follows.
Place: Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, University of Akron campus.
Cost: $15 for Press Club members, $20 for non-members.
Reservations requested: Call 330-564-4211, email RSVP@cmoresearch.com or go to www.cmoresearch.com/apc
Reservation deadline: Noon, Monday, Feb. 11.
The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press and serve local journalists and public relations professionals. The group has a rich heritage of offering newsmakers a forum to discuss issues of the day at Press Club luncheons and speaking events that are open to the public. The club also funds scholarships for journalists and public relations students and sponsors annual fundraising and community outreach events.