Akron school board approves $24 million in budget cuts, including elimination of 285 jobs

Danielle Wiggins has the latest on the school board in Akron approving $24 million in budget cuts...
The Board of Education for Akron Public Schools on Monday approved a restructuring plan that includes $24 million in budget cuts, including the elimination of 285 temporary and vacant jobs from the district.
Members voted to pass the majority of the plan by a tally of 5-1, with Bruce Alexander approving cuts to the number of teachers but abstaining on cuts to other employees. Rene Molenaur was the only member to vote no.
The final vote came after more than three hours of discussion plus protests from employees and members of the community earlier in the day. The Akron Education Association held a rally near APS headquarters to speak out against the cuts, with union leader Patricia Shipe releasing the following statement to 3News:
"It has been a difficult and shocking week at Akron Public Schools. During a time when we should be celebrating the success of our students, instead we are surrounded by chaos and uncertainty. All the more intensified by the complete lack of transparency and communication on the part of Superintendent Robinson and his Administration as they target educator jobs. It is the Association’s belief that recent moves by this Administration have been directly aimed at eliminating professional educator jobs held by union members."
Read: www.wkyc.com/article/news/loc...