AKRON, Ohio — On Monday morning, superintendent Michael Robinson, Ed.D., shared the strategic plan for Akron Public Schools, including the district’s motto, mission and vision statements, and guiding cornerstones.
“The blueprint reflects our commitment to ensuring all APS scholars are college, career, and life ready by providing innovative educational experiences,” Robinson said of his district’s mission.
Additionally, the vision presented says “All APS scholars will graduate as architects of their future, prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
“Our mission and vision statements were created to reflect our commitment to a high-quality education, and provide clear guidance for the district’s future,” Robinson said. “These statements were designed to inspire and guide the development of our blueprint for excellence, our strategic plan.”
Robinson also detailed the cornerstones the district will be following, which are a culture of safety and belonging, academic achievement, operational excellence, and partnerships, family, and community engagement.
For example, when addressing cornerstone 2, academic achievement, Robinson addressed the proposal to transition to full-day pre-kindergarten, adding that there will also be a superintendent book of the month club unveiled as part of a literacy initiative.
Pat Shipe, president of the Akron Education Association, said starting students’ education earlier is important.
“Research will show you, and it’s no mystery to educators, that the earlier we start with our young people, and I’m talking pre school level, the greater chance of success they will have within school, within the community and their lives,” Shipe said. “We absolutely, not only in Akron Public Schools but in this country, should be working towards universal pre school for our young people.”
Additionally, Robinson specified other goals for the district, including ensuring students leave second grade reading at or above grade level, successfully implementing literacy and numeracy strategies with the goal of 10% gains yearly, and expanding the district’s communications department.
Shipe said much of what was laid out today are initiatives and efforts that educators are already doing, but she said the transparency is helpful for the community, who she hopes understands their role in the success of Akron’s public schools.
“It’s imperative for public schools to have community support, to have ongoing parental involvement and engagement in schools, and for them to understand that public schools need resources,” Shipe said. “Resources not necessarily just money, but they need input and support and people being involved and understanding how our schools work.”
“Implementing this strategic plan, this blueprint, requires more than just a check list,” Robinson said. “It requires a collective commitment from each of us and all of us.”
Shipe said now it’s a matter of implementing these initiatives and plans.
This comes as the district is also undergoing a redistricting process. Shipe said the plan will be presented to the board and voted on in January.
