The Heartbeat of Our Neighborhoods

 “Schools are the heartbeat of any community. They are not just places where children learn; they are hubs of activity, centers of community engagement and pillars of neighborhood stability. When schools thrive, communities thrive. They attract families, foster local pride and contribute to the overall quality of life.“ ~ Supt. Dr. Michael Robinson

Akron Public Schools Supt. Dr. Michael Robinson had the pleasure of speaking to Akron real estate brokers last week about the importance of strong schools in our neighborhoods. The Akron Realtist Association invited the superintendent to East Akron Community House where Robinson addressed the positive developments in APS that can help Akron real estate agents answer important questions from potential home buyers.

Dr. Robinson elaborated on three important areas of APS work and commitment to scholars, families and community:

• “At Akron Public Schools, we are Empowering Minds and Enriching Futures … committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares our students for life. Our test scores are improving; and our graduation rate is approaching 90%, which is a significant improvement from 10 years ago.”
• “We are now offering full-day PreK, along with half-day options. From the moment I arrived in Akron, this was something I wanted to do. A child’s early years are the most important for learning and socialization.”
• “College & Career Academies of Akron (CCAA) provides educational experiences designed to strengthen the connection between learning in the classroom with what students may pursue after graduation, making learning more meaningful and giving students the real-world skills they need to be successful in an ever-changing global economy.”

Strategic planning is the heartbeat of the mission, he told the gathering. The Strategic Plan or Blueprint for Excellence, the superintendent said, helps ensure the strength of the district through academic achievement, family partnerships and community engagement, operational excellence, and a culture of safety and belonging for scholars.

Real estate brokers at the event talked after the superintendent concluded his remarks about how important it is for their businesses that they understand the commitment of public schools to their community and its neighborhoods. “We greatly appreciate,” one broker told us, “Dr. Robinson’s vision not only for our schools but for our community.”

Akron Public Schools