FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2024

Contact: Carla L. Chapman, OSU22chapman@gmail.com

AKRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS LEVY – ISSUE 27
ENDORSED BY, CLEVELAND CLINIC AKRON GENERAL HOSPITAL

AKRON – Citing the Akron Public Schools strong graduation rate and collaboration on local workforce development, the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital announced their endorsement of Issue 27 which invests in the Akron Public Schools.

A new North High School is needed due to aging, rapidly growing enrollment and costly repair on a facility partly built in 1931.

Despite the District not having a levy in 12 years and the District keeping finances in the black due to no increase in local funding in 12 years, state cuts and inflation,the projection is for major losses in revenue in fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Without passage of the levy the district faces major cuts impacting Akron Students, Akron’s future workforce and our economy – as the Akron Public Schools are a top-10 employer in the region.

Akron has achieved strong workforce development for area employers through innovative programs that include student ability to earn college credits during their classroom experience.

“We appreciate Akron Public Schools for developing children into bright, talented, hard working and caring adults, some of whom will become the next generation of caregivers in our organization, ” wrote Brian Harte, President of Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital.

Akron Public School Students earn 7000 college credits on average each year. Over 70% of Akron Early College  graduates have obtained an associates degree and over 84% of the 2023 district graduates reported they were employed, enrolled in higher education or serving in the military within six months of graduation. 

For Cleveland Clinic Akron General hospital the levy is important to their workforce and the health and wellbeing of the community. “We believe supporting our local school system is an investment in the health and wellbeing of our community, ” said Harte. 

The Citizen Committee – Akron Public Schools thanks the Cleveland Clinic for its endorsement of Issue 27. 

More information can be found at akronschoollevy.com

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