Akron, Ohio, has a long history of innovation in industry, government, science and education. A new chapter in the city's exciting story began in 2003. The state offered Akron Public Schools 59% of the total cost to rebuild its schools, if a local match could be found. Akron's mayor moved quickly to help the schools by putting a small income tax on the ballot. The city and the school officials promised voters that the new buildings would become more than schools. These new buildings would become innovative Community Learning Centers – a school by day and a community center for learning at night and on weekends. Overwhelmingly, the community agreed and building began.


