APS continues union talks, prepares to support students and families 

A 10-day strike authorization is notice to the Akron Board Education of Akron Education Association's (AEA's) intention to strike in 10 days, or on Jan. 9, 2023. During that time, both sides will begin preparing for a strike. In addition, the board will continue to work with the union toward reaching an agreement on all outstanding issues. 

Both parties have reached tentative agreement on a number of important issues. While there are several remaining issues, the key issues appear to be wages, health insurance, additional unrestricted personal leave days, and more specific provisions for the definition of student assault as outlined in the impartial fact finder's report.

The fact finding report from the impartial fact finder mutually selected by the parties is available by clicking here.  The recommendations are based upon four days of testimony from both district and Akron Education Association (AEA) witnesses as well as more than 150 exhibits submitted by the district and AEA.

Yes. Our scholars will continue their education while teachers are away from our school buildings. There will be an instructional plan and recommended daily schedule that will allow students to pivot to online learning. This will include opportunities for students to meet online with an APS administrator with teaching experience and opportunities to complete online lessons independently at their own pace. This approach aligns with our approved district blended learning plan. While in-person learning is obviously preferred, our educational community has developed extensive experience in helping students learn virtually.

Other than the buildings operating as feeding sites or Student Support Centers, the remaining district buildings will be closed to students and community members during the strike to ensure safety.

If no agreement is in place, and a strike appears imminent, APS will communicate directly with families as quickly as possible via email and an all-call message regarding specific online learning instructions, support, and schedules. Information regarding online learning will also be available on our APS Connected Learning website.

Our administration and staff members will communicate with our families daily and will be available to take phone calls or respond to emails from parents or scholars regarding questions, concerns or needed support while students learn at home.

Yes. Public education is required under Ohio law, and an employee strike is not a valid excuse for a scholar’s absence. Fortunately, our scholars have become accustomed to learning in a virtual/online environment away from the school building, which enables our district to track scholar engagement and attendance. This potentially limits the days needed to make-up later in the year.

Yes. Grab and go meal bags will be available daily from 11 a.m. - noon for pick up at nine locations throughout the district during online learning days. Each bag will contain lunch items for that day and breakfast for the next morning.

Refer to the Student Support Center information at the bottom of this web page for times and locations.

 

We will continue to provide transportation services for eligible students enrolled in non-APS schools in the event the strike occurs. This includes students enrolled in non-APS charter, community, private, non-public, or parochial schools. APS students with special needs placed at an out-of-district school will also continue to receive transportation services.

No. Unfortunately after-school activities operated by the district or part of APS programming will be temporarily suspended. Our teachers make up the majority of our club advisors, so we will not have the ability to provide appropriate supervision to maintain the safety of our student-participants.

The city of Akron may continue to operate its sponsored programming in CLC buildings in the evenings as previously scheduled. Please contact city program leaders for more information. 

No. Unfortunately all athletic practices and competitions will be temporarily suspended until teachers and students return to in-person learning. Our teachers coach a majority of our sports teams so we will not have the ability to provide continuity of services for our student-athletes.

Scholars who attend the MD and Achieve classes will receive paper assignments to complete and return to school. Questions about special needs students can be directed to the Office of Special Education at 330.761.3146.

Yes. There will always be someone you can talk to directly to discuss your specific situation and needs. Those with questions or concerns should call the Engagement Center at 330.761.2810 and we will put you in contact with your child’s building principal or the appropriate department.

An Akron teacher strike will not affect students attending classes through colleges or universities that are taught by university instructors. These courses will continue without interruption. College courses that are taught by Akron Public Schools teachers will not be held during the strike, but may have an adjusted timeline. 

For questions regarding your specific situation, or for more information, please contact the Office of College Access at 330.761.3054.

Families with questions about anything college-related, CCP or scholarship applications may email the College Access Department at collegeaccesshelp@apslearns.org.

General school counselor questions maybe emailed to schoolcounselorhelp@apslerns.org.

We understand that some families will need childcare support. A limited number of seats will be reserved at Student Support Center locations for families that need last resort coverage. These centers are spaces for  scholars to complete their online work. There will not be additional instruction at these sites. If no agreement is in place, and a strike appears imminent, APS will launch a pre-registration process for families as quickly as possible.

Student Support Centers are for pre-registered students in grades K-5 and will operate from 8:30 am- 2:30 pm daily during the strike period.  Students may be dropped off beginning at 8:20 am and must be released to parents/guardians for the return home no later than 2:40 pm daily.

Refer to the Student Support Center information at the bottom of this web page for additional details and locations.

If APS teachers strike,APS preschools will not be operating in-person. APS has been advised by the Head Start office that the Head Start classrooms located at Portage Path CLC and Robinson CLC will be closed during the strike.  Families of current students will be contacted by the Head Start office regarding plans to continue services for their students. Questions can be directed to the Community Action-Akron Summit Agency office by calling 330.572.8350. 

Click here for a full list of childcare options and other community supports.