Spotlight: OSU Study Report Lauds Akron's After-School Progams

On May 28th, 2009, officials from Akron Public Schools, the Ohio Afterschool Network, the Governor's Office and the City of Akron came together to announce the release of an Ohio State University report on the effectiveness of Akron's after-school programs. Described in the report as "bold and creative," the city's programs are highlighted as an excellent example for others in Ohio and elsewhere:

"Akron's leaders have developed innovative programs and services that exemplify the potential and power of extended, accelerated and connected learning, demonstrating how this learning can be an integral, essential component of expanded school improvement."

Speakers included APS Superintendent David James, APS After-School Program Director Desiree Bolden, the Governor's Regional Economic Director Steven Meeks, Ohio Afterschool Network Director Liz Nusken, and Akron mayor Don Plusquellic. As noted by the other presenters, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic was instrumental in building the City / School District partnership that made the programs possible, as well as providing the vision and leadership to make Akron's new, city-wide Community Learning Centers a reality.

The full report can be downloaded HERE.

Spotlight: Summit County Elected Dems Turn Out Big to Support Mayor Plusquellic and Vote Early AGAINST the Recall

A large group of Summit County's Democratic elected officials and other supporters turned out at the County Board of Elections at noon on Tuesday, May 26th to cast early votes AGAINST the Recall of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. The group first met at Democratic Party headquarters, where Summit County Council member Ilene Shapiro spoke briefly to the media and then led the assembled group down the street to the Board of Elections.

By 12:15, the BOE office was filled with citizens - young and old - who wanted to take time out from their busy day to express their support for the Mayor. City and County officials - including Summit County Executive Russ Pry and Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Jones - were also part of the anti-recall group. Later, Mayor Plusquellic joined the crowd as well, to cast his own vote.