On behalf of the Akron Board of Education, administrators, faculty and staff, welcome!  I am honored to be the Superintendent of Akron Schools and am excited for the partnership with all members of the Akron school community. As a veteran school administrator, I am tremendously impressed with the quality of our instructional program, our talented staff, the accomplishments of our students, and the close relationship between the school district, community, and families. 

Working collaboratively, we can execute the mission and vision of the district while ensuring that every child is provided an engaging, challenging, and relevant instructional program that supports their individual talents, interests, and ambitions. It is through partnerships with families and the demonstrated commitment and dedication of our faculty and staff that our children will experience success and accomplish their goals.

At ACS, we strive to develop each individual student while allowing a breadth of experiences that will assist in forming caring citizens who will innovate, create, and be successful in life. Our vast instructional program provides learners with excellent educational opportunities, a renowned visual and performing arts program, extensive athletics, and numerous clubs. Our commitment to the education of the whole child also means that we look beyond academics and extracurriculars and that we support the social, emotional, and physical health of our young people as well.

We have many reasons to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishments of our students. At the same time, the children and the adults in our school district community will certainly face obstacles and challenges that may make tasks more demanding than we would like. This is to be expected. Yet, in the same way that we teach children to be resilient and to appreciate the growth that can only come through disappointment and frustration, so too must we remain positive and supportive of our students and of each other. As author Jon Gordon writes, “Being positive doesn’t just make you better; it makes everyone around you better.”

As part of our on-going commitment to maintain an inviting, modern, and safe campus for students, staff, and community use, a capital project began last school year. Work on the project commenced in the spring of 2020. In addition to needed updates to the HVAC system and items that will address health and safety conditions, renovations to the elementary main office and health office have been made. These changes allow for greater efficiency of operations and a more conducive environment for students and staff.  Not all of the needs of the campus could be addressed through this project. Thus, the district is considering a second, New York State aided, project to address needs at the bus garage and athletic fields. As with any undertaking of this scale, we welcome input from all stakeholders. We will establish and advertise opportunities for input via community forums and consultation committees to help us determine needs and establish priorities.

Communication plays an essential role in a successful school community. Thus, I welcome and encourage your involvement, and invite you to join us, in any way that you can, as we continue the legacy of high expectations, high achievement, and positive relationships that Akron has enjoyed over the years. For additional information on the many wonderful things happening in our schools and classrooms, please take the time to explore this website.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and support. I look forward to seeing you at one of our many school events. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Patrick D. McCabe