Superintendent Delivers Inspiring State of the System Address, Outlining Vision for Akron Public Schools' Future

Last night, Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson of Akron Public Schools (APS) delivered a compelling State of the System address, sharing a clear vision for the district’s future, grounded in equity, excellence and opportunity for all scholars. Addressing dignitaries, community leaders, families and APS stakeholders, Dr. Robinson highlighted key accomplishments, spoke to his strategic vision and called for renewed commitment from the entire Akron community to support APS as it continues to innovate, grow and serve more than 20,000 students.

“As we ‘Dream the Impossible Dream,’ Akron Public Schools is setting a course for an inclusive, inspiring and high-achieving future,” said Dr. Robinson. “With our Blueprint for Excellence as our guide, we are committed to ensuring that every scholar has the opportunity to reach their full potential in classrooms where innovation, cultural representation and community support are paramount.”

Major Achievements Highlighted
In his address, Dr. Robinson shared recent APS achievements that underscore the district’s upward trajectory. Among Ohio’s eight largest urban school districts, APS now leads with an impressive 88.1% graduation rate, underscoring the district’s emphasis on student success and workforce readiness. He also celebrated APS’s remarkable increase in College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness (CCWMR), which rose from 42.3% to 76.6%, setting the district apart as a leader in preparing students for life beyond graduation.

Additionally, APS saw substantial growth in “Gap Closing,” a critical measure that assesses progress in supporting students from diverse backgrounds and mitigating educational disparities. Dr. Robinson emphasized the district’s efforts to build on these gains, citing the implementation of robust academic and social-emotional programs, including the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), which addresses academics, behavior, attendance and social-emotional learning.

Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Planning
Amid financial challenges affecting school districts nationwide, Dr. Robinson shared APS’s commitment to responsible fiscal planning and future growth. APS is also working on the development of a Facilities Master Use Plan to ensure financial sustainability while enhancing educational facilities across the district. Additionally, APS will continue to make careful financial adjustments as necessary, aligning resources with long-term district goals to sustain vital programming for students and families.

Commitment to Equity and Representation
Dr. Robinson underscored the district’s dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity, celebrating diversity as a strength in APS’s educational leadership and among its teaching staff. Noting that Black superintendents account for only 3.4% of leadership positions in Ohio’s school districts, Dr. Robinson emphasized the importance of representation, particularly in leadership roles. APS is committed to ensuring all students can see themselves reflected in those who lead, teach and support them, further enhancing their sense of belonging and their engagement with learning.

Looking to the Future: A Call for Unity
Dr. Robinson closed the address by reaffirming APS’s commitment to partnership-driven growth, urging community members to come together in support of Akron’s future. “The success of Akron Public Schools is Akron’s success,” he stated. “Our scholars are the future of this city; and, by supporting them, we build a stronger, more prosperous Akron for generations to come.”

Dr. Robinson extended his gratitude to APS’s extensive network of business and community partners, whose support plays an essential role in APS’s achievements and future goals. He also announced exciting new initiatives, such as expanded full-day pre-K, dynamic fine arts programming, and the continued enhancement of the College and Career Academies. These initiatives align with the APS Blueprint for Excellence, a strategic plan grounded in safety, academic achievement, operational efficiency and community engagement.

Akron Public Schools: A Model of Resilience and Innovation
“APS is open for business, and business is booming,” said Dr. Robinson, addressing recent challenges with a renewed focus on growth and resilience. “Together, we are transforming APS into a beacon of educational excellence that will inspire, educate and uplift every scholar in our community. We are dreaming the impossible dream – and making it a reality.”

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About Akron Public Schools:
Akron Public Schools (APS) enrolls more than 20,000 students and employs nearly 4,000 teaching and non-teaching professionals in Northeastern Ohio. The district, one of the state's largest and most diverse, covers 62 square miles in a city of 195,000. APS educators are committed to rigorous teaching and learning, safe learning centers, and community engagement to prepare young people to be well rounded and ready for the challenges of learning that follow in life. The goal of APS is to be the #1 urban school system in the United States. For more information about Akron Public Schools, visit AkronSchools.com.

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