State of the Schools - Address

State of Akron Public Schools Address
Superintendent David W. James
Akron Press Club
February 3, 2011

Good morning. I would like thank everyone for coming today for the State of Akron Public Schools address. I would like to thank the Akron Press Club for hosting this event and would like to acknowledge our school board members (President Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker, Sr., Vice-President Jason Haas; Bruce Alexander; Ginger Baylor; Amy Reeves Grom; James Hardy; and Lisa Mansfield); other elected officials who are present with us today (Mayor Don Plusquellic and Summit County Executive Russ Pry); and other distinguished guests.

The success of our city, our region and our state depends on many factors but none more important than education. Complex economic development projects cannot be put together without the help of experts in finance, real estate and economics.

Success in our schools creates opportunity for all of Akron.

The development of new and innovative products, services and practices requires entrepreneurial and creative thinking. These points were made very clear a few weeks ago when I attended the Building Prosperity in Greater Akron Forum.

For this city to be stronger in the future, we must all play a part.

(Read more of the speech.)