Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to share the State of the Schools address with our community. I want to sincerely thank everyone who attended, watched, or supported the event. I am also grateful to the Akron Press Club for the invitation to speak. Moments like this matter because they allow us to reflect together on where Akron Public Schools stands today and the work we are continuing to do on behalf of our students.
What continues to stand out to me across our district is the many ways our students and educators demonstrate excellence in their own paths. At Miller South, eighth grade student Maliah Duck is preparing to travel to New York City this summer to train with dancers from the Alvin Ailey School. Her dedication to her craft reflects the opportunities our students pursue when their talents are nurtured and encouraged.
Our students are also showing that same commitment in academic and career focused programs. Recently, APS students competed at the BPA Ohio State Leadership Conference and earned top placements in several categories, including entrepreneurship, business math, speech, and digital design. Their success highlights the strong preparation happening in our classrooms and the confidence our students are building as they prepare for future careers.
This week also brought recognition for members of our leadership team. Leadership Akron honored Assistant Superintendent Wanda Lash and Executive Director of Human Resources Chase Canfield as New Executive Leaders. Their leadership reflects the dedication and collaboration required to advance our school district.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome families and community members to the 70th Annual STEM Expo this Saturday at Ellet CLC. This event has been a long standing tradition in Akron and continues to showcase the creativity, curiosity, and problem solving skills of APS students.
I also look forward to continuing conversations with families during our Community Conversations Listen and Learn Tour. These gatherings are an important opportunity to hear directly from our community as we continue working together to strengthen our schools.
Thank you for the many ways you continue to support Akron Public Schools and the students we serve.
Congratulations to Chase Canfield, APS Executive Director of Human Resources; Wanda Lash, APS Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Outley, APS Superintendent, who were recognized on February 25, 2026 by Leadership Akron as New Executive Leaders.
They were joined by Board Members Nathan Jarosz and Phil Montgomery. We are proud to see APS leadership recognized for their commitment to our schools and community. View on Facebook.
Superintendent's Community Conversations Listen and Learn Tour Continues
Superintendent Mary Outley is continuing her Listen and Learn Tour throughout the Akron Public Schools district to speak about district progress, goals, and updates. All families are welcome to join the conversation through April 21 at any of the events.
More district news
Pfeiffer/Miller South Groundbreaking Ceremony - The Groundbreaking Ceremony for Pfeiffer/Miller South schools will be held on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. Two schools will be built on the lot: one serving Pfeiffer Elementary students (grades PreK-5) and the other serving Miller South Middle School students (grades 4-8). Learn more.
7th Grade Experience at Firestone CLC - Join us on March 26 from 8:45–11:15 a.m. for a special opportunity for current 7th grade students to explore the school and learn more about its programs. Participation is limited to 40 students, registration closes March 23, and families are responsible for transportation to and from the event. Learn more.
North CLC Building Project - This state-of-the-art campus is slated for groundbreaking ceremonies in spring 2027. The North High School campus principal envisions a school that highlights its diversity. Learn more.
Miller South Student on Pathway to Broadway
By Marilyn Miller Paulk, APS Storyteller
Maliah Duck, an eighth-grader at Miller South, is nervous, excited and ready as she prepares to take a big step closer to her dreams to be a professional dancer. This summer she will travel to New York City to train with the world-renown dance troupe, Alvin Ailey dancers. Ailey founded the largest modern dance company in the United States in 1958. He was an American dancer, director, choreographer and activist. Maliah auditioned last month at The Ailey School, which is located in New York City. The school serves as a haven for nurturing Black artists expressing the African-American experience through dance. Read more.
Students Excel at BPA State Leadership Conference
Students recently competed at the BPA Ohio State Leadership Conference and delivered an outstanding performance across multiple events. Congratulations to the following students for their achievements:
VIDEO PRODUCTION TEAM - 2nd Place - Maliah Motley, Joslyn Holloway, Ian Stewart
DIGITAL GAME DESIGN TEAM - 1st Place - Kaiden King-Jones, Mason Davidson, Elijah Davidson
WEB DESIGN TEAM - Kallena Stewart, Amina Gulley
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH - 1st Place - Ian Stewart
PREPARED SPEECH - 2nd Place - Maliah Motley
ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXPLORATION - 1st Place - Joslyn Holloway
SPREADSHEET APPLICATIONS - 1st Place - Brielle Green
BUSINESS MATH CONCEPTS - 1st Place - Brielle Green
WORD PROCESSING - 1st Place - Winter Slater
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TEAM - Brenda Salas-Gullen, Kyra Gough
More APS in the news
Mason CLC Amazing Shake Competition - Fifth graders at Mason CLC recently participated in the school’s first Amazing Shake competition, a fast-paced event designed to build professionalism, confidence, and communication skills. Students rotated through multiple stations where they practiced skills such as handshakes, conversation, and professional etiquette while interacting with judges. See more.
Stephanie Childers-White Named Official Hammond Organ Music Artist
APS is proud to celebrate educator Stephanie Childers-White for receiving a remarkable honor in the music community. Stephanie has been named an official Hammond Organ Music Artist by the Hammond Organ Company, one of the most respected names in church and performance organs worldwide.
She was invited to join the Hammond artist roster after attending the NAMM Show 2026, where Hammond approached her with the opportunity. The distinction is reserved for a small group of accomplished musicians and is rarely offered, making the recognition especially meaningful.
Stephanie shared that she is deeply honored by the endorsement and grateful for the chance to continue serving APS students while pursuing her passion for music. Congratulations to Stephanie on this exciting achievement and the inspiration she brings to the APS community. Learn more.
Why Your Child's Sleep Might Be Their Best Mental Health Tool
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
As National Sleep Awareness Week begins on March 8, it might be worth considering how closely your child's sleep could be connected to their emotional well-being. Research has found that persistent sleep problems in preschool and school-aged children may increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression as teenagers and adults, and inadequate sleep can even produce symptoms that look very similar to ADHD. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and protecting consistent sleep schedules could go a long way in supporting not just better rest, but better mental health.
Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship - Akron Public Schools seniors planning to study journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations in college can apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Applications are due March 20. Learn more and apply.
Free Tax Preparation - United Way of Summit & Medina is offering free appointments to help families prepare state and federal taxes. Learn more and schedule online or call 211.
Things to do!
Year of Literacy - Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., a guest reader brings stories to life for our Pre-K to 3rd grade students. This week, our readers were Deanna Perdue and Cindy Falkenberg, ESL teachers for APS. Watch now.
Stricklands of Akron 90 Years Celebration - Stricklands of Akron will be celebrating their 90 years of business with 90-cent ice cream cones on March 6, starting at 11:00 a.m. Learn more.
STEM EXPO - The 70th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) EXPO will take place March 7 at Ellet CLC. Learn more.
Decade of Play - Visit the Crafty Steere (222 S Main St) on March 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to celebrate 10 years of the Akron Children's Museum. Buy tickets directly.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - The 43rd annual Akron St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place March 14, at 1:00 p.m. The parade will feature school bands, floats, non-profits, and more as part of the city’s Irish heritage celebrations. Learn more.
Black Family Wellness Expo - Families are invited to this free expo on March 21 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the John R. Buchtel Community Learning Center. The event will feature more than 40 exhibitors, free health screenings, a blood drive, children’s activities, raffles, and wellness resources for all ages. Learn more.
Paul Tazewell Costume Design Presentation - Paul Tazewell, Oscar, Emmy, and two-time Tony Award-winning designer renowned for his work in theater, film and fashion (and an APS graduate!), will be presenting at the John S. Knight Center (77 E Mill St) on Apr. 7. Reserve a seat.
Akron School of the Arts Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid - Akron School of the Arts at Firestone CLC will stage a modern reimagining of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Apr. 16–19 in the Linda B. Kersker Auditorium. Performances are Apr. 16–18 at 7:30 p.m. and Apr. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students – can be purchased online or at the Firestone CLC Box Office.
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Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, United States, 330.761.1661
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