AKRON, Ohio — Akron Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson celebrated the district's accomplishments while also addressing the struggles they are facing as part of his first State of the System address Wednesday night.
During his speech at Garfield Community Learning Center, Robinson acknowledged the difficulty of the 2023-24 school year, his first academic year leading APS.
"Change can feel like stepping off a cliff, not knowing if there's a solid ground below," Robinson said to an audience of more than 200 people. "But here's the thing: We're not stepping blindly. We're building a bridge to the future for our scholars."
Robinson's address comes as the district is dealing with financial challenges which resulted in $24 million in budget cuts and the elimination of 285 jobs.
"The finances are certainly one of our large challenges and things connected to the finances," Robinson told 3News following the speech.
APS is hopping to pass a levy on the Nov. 5 ballot that will generate funds to cover operating expenses and construct a new North High School. According to a website promoting the levy, APS is projecting losses in revenue for the next four fiscal years.
"It's been 12 years since we had a levy," Robinson told us. :"Not having had a levy for 12 years, it has a large part in why we're here."
Still, Robinson also spoke of the district’s accomplishments, which include an 88.1% graduation rate for the 2023-24 academic year and going from one star to two stars in early literacy on the Ohio School Report Cards five-star rating system. Overall, APS received 2 1/2 stars, and while that's still below state standards, Robinson says they are "knocking on the door of that third star."
A theme woven throughout Robinson's hourlong presentation was the need for collaboration to move the district forward.
"I've realized that meaningful change, a change that uplifts everyone, often meets resistance," he proclaimed during his address. "But here's the inspiring truth: Our collective determination is stronger than any obstacle."
The Akron Education Association, the union representing teachers in APS, had been at odds with Robinson for much of his first year, even accusing the superintendent of union busting.
"When it comes to our unions, I work well with all of our unions," Robinson said Wednesday. "I certainly would love to have a better working relationship with all of them collectively, but we really and truly are moving the work forward."
Robinson also claims he does not have a contentious relationship with the school board.
"I know how it's been portrayed, but we are not having any issues with one another," he stated.
The State of the System address at Garfield CLC, which APS planned, came just hours after Robinson delivered another State of the Schools speech at an Akron Press Club luncheon.