AKRON, Ohio — Christine Fowler-Mack stepped in to lead Akron Public Schools in 2021. Now, more than a year into the job, Fowler-Mack is looking back at her first year as superintendent.
What You Need To Know
- Fowler-Mack called her first year successful and one of adaptability
- Working through impacts of the pandemic, board tension and contract negotiations with the union were some of the most challenging things
- Additional tutoring, lower class sizes, and reinstituting sports and clubs in middle schools were just a few of the many highlights of her first year
- Currently, she is focused on equity and making sure everyone feels seen, heard and valued
Fowler-Mack said that when she started, the first question she had to answer was “mask or no mask.”
From there, the tough decisions only mounted as the district, like others, tried to navigate through the day-to-day operations of transportation and staffing, as many were already caring for their own families.
When federal aid came as $150 million, it helped to lift some of the load off of some challenges the district was facing, especially since kids were still struggling with learning loss.
She said that money helped boost tutoring for kids, smaller class sizes, and get counselors into school buildings, all while expanding mental health services.
“I think one of the greatest accomplishments for me has been expanding the opportunities for our young people for our scholars,” said Fowler-Mack.
While many have gotten used to the recent additions, Fowler-Mack said she knows adjustments will have to be made, because the dollars given were only given out one time.
“It was very clear that not all we were able to do would be able to be sustained,” she said.
As of right now, they want to continue offering that big array of summer programming.
“We do want to be able to maintain manageable class sizes,” she said.
It is in addition to keeping counselors and other social-emotional support.
“There are staff members that will be retiring and through attrition. I expect that we’ll be able to be very steady in terms of our staff,” she said. “We will be creative to make sure that we can, above all, keep the staff intact.”
It includes shifting people into other positions where necessary.
Pandemic issues haven’t been the only things she had to wade through. As the district looked forward, Fowler-Mack faced tensions that arose back in the summer with some board of education members, noting her first year as a failure.
“I’m used to feedback and I’m used to taking that in and using it to better myself as a leader,” said Fowler-Mack.
As a result, she said she’d continue to be “active in working on the relationship and improving communication.”
Added to that, Fowler-Mack and the district also faced challenges with the Akron Education Association with contract negotiations. The issues still haven’t been resolved, and now head into further mediation.
“I remain cautiously optimistic that we’re going to reach a common ground,” said Fowler-Mack.
While things weren’t easy for her first year, Fowler-Mack said she’s remained focused on the needs of students and staff. Looking back, she saw her first year as a successful one, knowing that she not only survived, but thrived.
“I did wake up at some point and say ‘wow, you know you made it.’”
She said she is still excited about being with the district and appreciative of the opportunity to serve as superintendent.