Public education is facing serious challenges. EdChoice vouchers divert critical funding from K–12 public schools to charter schools, stripping away the resources needed to maintain high-quality classrooms, provide strong teaching, and ensure equity for every student. Proponents of the voucher program falsely claim it offers choice to students who have been attending low performing schools. This statement is false and misleading. The continued expansion of voucher programs takes money and resources away from our schools and weakens the public institutions that serve the majority of students in our district. 

Akron Public Schools operates with an annual budget of more than $500 million, serving thousands of students across the city. With this responsibility, every decision must reflect strong operational and fiscal accountability.  The district currently spends approximately $114 per child, per day and we are in deficit spending, drawing down cash reserves at an unsustainable rate. 

The current fiscal year (2026) projected revenue analysis shows state funding at 55%, local taxes at 41% and other sources representing 4% of district revenue.

Source:  Akron Public Schools Finance Committee, September 15, 2025.

For all of the reasons stated  above, I am committed to protecting public education by keeping public funds in public schools and safeguarding Akron’s schools from harmful policies. By prioritizing accountability, fiscal responsibility, and wise use of resources, we can ensure that every child has access to the quality education they deserve—and build a stronger, more sustainable school system for our community.