Akron Connected February 2025

Dear Akron Schools Family,

February break provides us with a brief pause in our busy school year—a time to step back, recharge, and spend moments with those who matter most. As we head into the February break, I encourage each of you to take time to rest, refresh, and enjoy the simple joys of the season.

To our students—this is your time to relax, explore your interests, and make memories with friends and family. Whether you spend your days reading a great book, playing outside, or just catching up on sleep, know that your well-being matters. Learning isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it’s also about the moments in between that shape who you are.

To our families and staff—thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students. Your commitment, support, and care make all the difference, and I hope this break gives you a chance to reflect, recharge, and enjoy well-earned time together.

In this newsletter, you’ll also find exciting updates about a wonderful Interact Club Service Project, information on our Board of Education’s advocacy efforts, and an update on our Capital Improvement Plan as we continue working to enhance our school facilities for our students and community.

We are more than just a school district—we are a family. And when we return, I know we will continue to lift each other up, work hard, and make the rest of this school year one to remember. Enjoy the break, stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Did you know that a group of dedicated community members has been hard at work designing a brand-new foyer experience for our High School? Set to be completed in Fall 2025, this project is shaping up to be a stunning tribute to Akron’s rich history—and it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible collaboration between our school district, members of the Newstead Historical Society, and the Newstead Senior Center!

A team of passionate volunteers has spent countless hours sifting through hundreds of historic photos of our school district and the Akron community. Their goal? To create visually striking walls that celebrate our proud past and connect generations of Akron students, families, and residents.

While the current shared drawing is only a conceptual rendering (final images and design TBD), one thing is clear: this project is a shining example of school and community working hand in hand. We can't wait to see the finished product and take a step back in time—right in our own school!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed their time, talents, and knowledge to bring this vision to life. A special thanks to community partners, Sarah Young, Pat Pearce, Pat Rodrigues, Carol Borchert, and Roxanne Rebmann, who have been instrumental in the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to unveiling this incredible space!

- Conceptual Rendering -

Akron’s Rotary Interact Club recently joined forces with the Albion High School Interact Club to make a meaningful impact on a school in Honduras devastated by Tropical Storm Sara last November. Through their joint efforts, the clubs collected over 120 binders, 200 notebooks, and 650 folders, along with crayons, markers, pens, pencils, children's books, and various art supplies. These much-needed materials were delivered at the Leadership Conference hosted at Albion High School.

During the conference, Akron and Albion Interact members participated in a panel discussion alongside Albion Rotarians and community leaders. The conversation focused on the role of personal morals and values in leadership, the key qualities of effective leaders, and strategies for taking action in the face of challenges. This experience not only provided valuable leadership insights but also reinforced the power of service and collaboration.

Exciting things are happening at Akron Schools as we continue making progress on Phase 1 of the Capital Improvement Project! January was a busy month, especially at the Transportation Facility, where the foundation for the new addition is now complete. Crews have been backfilling around the footers, and masonry work has begun, with stairways and the elevator shaft taking shape. Temporary power is now in place, giving all trades the electricity they need to keep the work moving forward. Underground plumbing has been installed south of the Bus Wash Bay, and behind the scenes, contractors are finalizing shop drawings and schedules to keep everything on track.

Meanwhile, at the K-12 Educational Building, additional asbestos testing was completed in preparation for upcoming renovations. The district is working closely with school staff to ensure construction happens with as little disruption as possible, especially during second-shift work and break periods.

The project remains on schedule, with major milestones ahead, including continued masonry work, steel installation, and upgrades to mechanical systems. Financially, the project is staying within budget. Looking ahead, February will bring even more visible progress, from expanding masonry work to upgrading janitorial closets and preparing for the next phases of construction.

Akron Board of Education President Erik Polkowski and Board Trustee Kristy Pingitore recently traveled to Albany to represent our district at the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Capital Conference. This annual event brings together school board members and education leaders from across the state to meet directly with legislators and advocate for policies that support students, teachers, and school communities.

A major highlight of the conference was Lobby Day, where school board members visited the State Capitol to engage in face-to-face discussions with lawmakers. This was an opportunity to ensure that decision-makers understand the realities of running a school district and how state policies impact students and families.

During their meetings, Polkowski and Pingitore addressed several key issues, including the need for continued Foundation Aid, increased rural internet access, flexibility in the school calendar, and solutions for staffing shortages. They also raised concerns about the challenges of transitioning to electric buses, advocating for more funding and practical implementation strategies.

By participating in Capital Conference and Lobby Day, our board members helped amplify Akron’s voice in Albany. Their efforts, along with those of other school leaders across the state, reinforce the importance of strong public schools and the need for continued legislative support to ensure all students receive the best education possible.