Akron school board must show support for work of Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack

Akron Schools Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack has demonstrated professionalism and is keeping things upbeat after the Beacon Journal reported on the harsh comments leveled at her by members of the school board.

Like many people in Akron, we’re still stunned that board President N.J. Akbar would label the veteran educator a “failure” and “insubordinate” in an evaluation completed June 27 for her one-year anniversary.

Failure? Insubordinate? This wasn’t shouted as the superintendent headed out the door. Akbar’s comments were in writing, and with two years left on Fowler Mack’s contract.

In a forward-looking letter to staff Wednesday afternoon, she stated she remains committed to “our vision of excellence.”

She told staff she’s “proud of the work we’ve done and the progress we have made together this year. And I will continue to listen and learn as I lead.”

She rightly expressed concern for how criticisms leveled at her might affect staff morale and progress. It's too bad board leadership hasn't wondered aloud about that.

The scathing review, reported on the front page of the July 10 Beacon Journal, has caused consternation around the city; a variety of community leaders have praised her efforts so far. Members of Akron City Council who also support the superintendent discussed a resolution that calls on the school board to “withdraw and revisit its remarks.”

Resolution co-sponsor Council President Margo Sommerville called Akbar’s words hurtful. She was troubled that the district’s first Black female superintendent was referred to in this way.

While Sommerville and cosponsors Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and three other members of council are understandably troubled, it's not really their place to call out other governmental bodies. The resolution discussed July 18 will go before the council’s rules committee again at a later date.

Akbar acknowledged in days after the Beacon Journal’s initial report that he could have used “alternative language” in evaluating Fowler Mack.

Some of Akbar’s follow-up comments have missed the point and underline a key difficulty facing the board: lack of experience. Only Bruce Alexander has served at least one full term on the seven-member board.

Akbar, who was elected in 2019, appears not to understand that the schools abide by Ohio’s open records law. A written evaluation of the superintendent is not a “private” record only to be seen by the board and Fowler Mack. Nor is it a board's role to micromanage a superintendent, as nine former board members suggested is happening in a July 17 letter to the editor.

Also giving the superintendent mostly negative reviews were Vice President Derrick Hall and Valerie McKitrick. But the other four members were mostly positive.

Interestingly, member Diana Autry, who voted against offering the job to Fowler Mack last year, praised the superintendent and said her efforts at relationship building are heading in the right direction. There may be a need for Fowler Mack to improve her communications with the board; if so, we think she's received the message loud and clear.

Meanwhile, Akron’s children are having a difficult time after COVID closed schools. Violence has claimed the lives of at least two Akron Public Schools students in the past year — Ethan Liming and Jerry Davis III. Many tears have flowed in Akron homes and streets after Buchtel High School graduate Jayland Walker was shot to death by police in June.

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The school district needs an inspirational story, and to many Akron residents, Fowler Mack is one. She’s an East High graduate, a Black woman who started her teaching career in Akron. The teaching ranks in Akron are still almost 90% white in a district where 46% of students are Black.

Akron school board members could set an example by giving constructive criticism and learning to trust Fowler Mack. The Akron schools and their leaders are important to this community.

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The board should consider how its actions might affect future candidates for top jobs. Who would want to come to Akron if dealing with the board sounds like a headache?

Already, the district is faced with replacing Ryan Pendleton, who starts a new job elsewhere in September. The award-winning treasurer was overseeing the planning and spending of $100 million in federal stimulus dollars.

Yes, it takes a lot of resources — financial and human — to teach Akron’s children. Let’s not waste energy on undercutting a qualified leader who’s only had one year to prove herself.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Christine Fowler Mack deserves support of Akron school board