001[music] >> And welcome to the special board meeting for Monday, May 18th. Treasurer, will you please call the roll? Ms. Hall? Present. Reverend Harrison? Present. Mr. Gerace? Present. Ms. Kelly? Present. Dr. Molnar? Present. Mr. Montgomery? >> Here. Mrs. Sykes? Present. All present. Thank you. Will everyone please stand and join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> So, I want to apologize for starting the meeting a bit late. We had Rules Committee with an extensive agenda this week, so it took a little bit more time than usual, but we do appreciate your patience with this. I understand that we have
002a request for an individual to speak before the board. Would you please come forward to introduce yourself, as well as any organization that you are with. As you come, I would just ask that you uh would consider that we try to keep our comments under 3 minutes, and that you will speak to us the uh minutes uh will speak uh on the subjects that uh of matter and of concerns to the business of the board, and that your comments are those as factual as possible. Thank you. Welcome. All right, thank you. Um I'm Larry Roberson. Um I am a current teacher at Litchfield Middle School. Welcome, Mr. Roberson. Um So, good evening. I am Larry Roberson, a proud graduate of Akron Public Schools. And it has always been my dream to teach and coach in
003Akron. After obtaining my educational degree in 2005, I began my career by substitute teaching in Akron Public Schools until I secured a full-time teaching position in Orlando, Florida, where I taught history. My teaching journey has taken me to New York, Florida, Maryland, and DC, where I was honored to achieve the designation of distinguished educator, the highest rating within DCPS, which also provided me with financial reward for my dedication and hard work. In August of 2025, upon learning of Akron's need for educators and your initiative to recruit and retain qualified teachers, I eagerly applied for the social studies position. I was thrilled to earn the opportunity to return to Akron Public Schools, despite the fact that only 10 years of my experience would be recognized, resulting in a loss of approximately 15 to 20,000 dollars. This
004chance, however, allowed me to fulfill my lifelong dream while spending more time with my family. Although I began the school year late, I persevered through challenges, embracing the journey of learning, the dynamics of teaching within APS, and connecting with families and students we serve. I took on the role of coach to empower the Litchfield family, helping shape boys into strong men and girls into strong women. I've inspired many students to strive for imp- improvements and resilience, collaborated with special education department to ensure every student feels seen and loves history. The The contri- I'm sorry. The contri- contributed to their growth as both students and individuals. Many students have confided in me referring to me as a father figure, which has been the most rewarding aspect of my work. I want to express my gratitude to
005the board for allowing me to give back to this community. Despite facing the painful reality that my contract is not being renewed after 17 years of experience, expertise in special education, and a commitment to my students. On April 23rd, as I sat in my living room, I discovered that I would not be recommended for rehire after opening the part teacher evaluation, which was not mentioned in my meetings with Ms. Bolson and Ms. Durkin on the 22nd and 23rd. I am convinced that this decision stems not from my professional qualifications, but from a parent's objection to my identity as an African-American male educator who adhered to the curriculum while teaching history and religion. This parent tarnished my reputation leading to harmful rumors that I had to address with my students. Her actions resulted in the APS
006preventing me from teaching a board-approved curriculum. My principal emphatically told me that I needed to cease discussions about religion or risk termination. Throughout my teaching career, I have approached the subject of religion within the context of history classes without imposing my personal beliefs on my students. As I taught, regardless of what religion that was, they thought I was that religion in my past experiences. Reflecting on the events of late February has clarified the roots of my my current challenges, yet I remain perplexed by the significant power exerted by a single parent and the lack of support I encountered during this difficult time. I have never faced an issue with contract renewals in any state district where I have worked, nor have I ever had a problem with teaching the curriculum. Regardless of the final decision,
007I assist I will assist other students, but the children of Akron will miss out on a devoted teacher who understands their experiences because I once walked in their shoes. I have also walked in these in these halls. So, I ask if a graduate of Akron public schools recognized as a qualified teacher with 17 years of dedicated service is is not invited to return, what message does that tell the community? Teaching is a challenge is challenging, and while some educators leave the profession because of the students, how many depart due to committees with agendas that do not pri- prioritize their students? I am aware this board does not have the full story or the perspective of what's going on, and so this is why I came up here to give you a better understanding of who
008I am and what I do and what I teach. Uh Ms. Mack, the teach- uh the principal at uh Litchfield Middle School is also looking forward to having me return as well. Thank you. Thank you. We appreciate your comments. So, we will uh not respond, but will assign through the superintendent the appropriate person to follow up. Thank you. Thank you. So, uh there appear to be a reason to go into executive session, member Milinar. Thank you, Madam President. I would like to motion to recess into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22G3, conferences with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action. So, the motion has been moved. Is there a second? Second. A second from member uh Gerald. Any
009discussions? Hearing none and seeing none, uh the uh treasurer will call the roll. Ms. Kelly? Yes. Dr. Molnar? Yes. Mr. Montgomery? Yes. Mrs. Sykes? Yes. Ms. Hall? Yes. Reverend Harrison? Yes. Mr. DeRose? Yes. Motion carries 7-0. >> Thank you. We will adjourn into a executive session at session at 6:59 p.m. >> Mhm. >> The Board of Education remains in executive session and shall return in an hour. Thank you. >> Mhm. >> The Akron Board of Education remains in executive session and shall return in under an hour. >> Mhm. >> Okay, we are back from executive session. There is a reason to take action. Is there a motion to adopt resolution 26078? So moved. So moved by member Montgomery. Is there a second? Second. Second by member Kelly. Is there any discussion? Seeing none and hearing
010none, uh the question is if uh CT Taylor Incorporated is the best value for construction management at risk services for the new North High School replacement project and ranking all shortlisted CM firms. The treasurer will call the roll. Mr. Montgomery? Yes. Mrs. Sykes? Yes. Mr. Jaros? Yes. Ms. Kelly? Yes. Dr. Molnar? No. Reverend Harrison? No. Ms. Hall? No. Motion carries 4-3. >> [clears throat] >> Is there a motion to adjourn? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by member Harrison. Any discussion? Hearing none and seeing none, the treasurer will call the roll. >> [clears throat] >> Mr. Montgomery? Yes. Mrs. Sykes? Yes. Ms. Hall? Yes. Reverend Harrison? Yes. Mr. DeRose? Yes. Ms. Kelly? Yes. Dr. Molnar? Yes. 7-0. We are now adjourned at 9:56 p.m. I want to say have a good weekend. Genesis.
011It's Monday.