The Beginning
Back in 1840, Ansel Miller, a canal boat builder from Vermont, began to talk about a plan of free public schools for all children in Akron, to be paid for by property taxes. People in Akron who didn't have children, and those who owned a lot of property, didn't like that idea at all! They thought that, aside from the money the state allocated for education, it was up to parents to provide for the education of their own children.

In fact, many considered Miller to be a "wild-eyed reformer" and threatened to "bash his head in!"

But Miller didn't give up; and in 1843 he hooked up with the Rev. Isaac Jennings, who was a more prominent and respected citizen of Akron.

On May 16, 1846, a committee of citizens was formed – with Jennings as Chairman – to discuss how to improve the school system. On November 21, 1846, the committee submitted their plan, which was approved unanimously by the citizens. Then on February 8, 1847, the Ohio Legislature adopted this plan, called "An act for the support and better regulation of the Common Schools of the Town of Akron."

In essence, the plan called for:

• the creation of one school district in Akron to provide free education for all children;
• the election of members of the Akron Board of Education who would be authorized to make financial and policy decisions on behalf of the citizens;
• the establishment of primary and grammar schools in various locations of the city to accommodate all children; and
• local support of schools through property taxation.

The next year, the state legislature adopted an amendment which allowed other Ohio cities and towns to use what became known as the "Akron Plan." One hundred fifty years later, these principles are still in effect!

↓ Click on "Other APS Links" below for the complete links list.