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About APS Links
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About APS – History of Akron Public Schools
1966-91
During the 25 years Conrad C. Ott served the Akron Public
Schools district as superintendent (1966 to 1991), Akron – and
our country – went through enormous changes. But Ott's
leadership provided a sense of stability for the district.
In the late '60s, sex, drugs and social upheaval were a fact of
life. Sex education, multi-ethnic concerns and drug abuse
prevention were added to the curriculum to help our students
face these challenges. In 1969 "Project Zebra" grew out of
tension between Firestone and South high school students during
basketball season. To develop better understanding, a group of
students visited each other's schools and worked together on
service projects.
In the '70s, "human relations" was a hot topic. In a 1970
newsletter, Ott wrote, "As never before, the importance of each
human being needs reaffirmation. The inter-relationship of
people has become the requisite not only for fuller living, but
also for the survival of our society." A PTA message in 1971
asked, "Have you done your share today to keep the peace?"
Technology also had its roots in the late '60s. In 1968 Barber
Elementary School piloted computerized report cards. This was
one of the first experiments in the use of computer services at
the elementary level in the country. Computers were also used
for scheduling in the secondary schools. By 1981 the first
computers began appearing in the classroom.
While our schools tried to prepare our students for an
ever-changing society, they also had to deal with an Akron that
was losing population and jobs when the rubber companies started
closing or moving out in the '70s. In response to a declining
school enrollment, schools had to be closed; and some students
were bused to other schools. Financial problems followed.
But our schools always held up to any challenge and continued
to earn commendations, including an A+ evaluation from the state
in May 1987.
Fascinating firsts:
- In 1967, Kenmore launched the Air Force JROTC.
- In 1971-72, the first citywide Garden Fair was held.
- In 1971, Jennings piloted the middle school model, which
moved ninth-graders to the senior high school.
- In 1978, the state began funding a program for Gifted and
Talented students called "Exploratory School Program."
- In October 1979, Riedinger Middle School – the newest Akron
school building – was dedicated.
- In May 1979, the first woman senior high school principal
was assigned to Kenmore.
- In 1984, all-day kindergarten was piloted at Seiberling,
Rankin and Hatton schools.
- In 1984 an in-school suspension program was piloted at
Ellet, East and Garfield high schools.
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59ers to the rescue
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In 1968 a group of students did their part to ensure the
passage of an 8-mill operating levy. They were called the
"59ers," so named because at the time the district boasted
59,000 students. During the fall levy campaign, the 59ers
distributed 29,000 levy brochures to 150 churches and
synagogues in their high school neighborhood. After the
campaign was over (and the levy passed, 59,347 to 38,801),
many 59ers continued to provide service to their schools. |
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