Issue 6 campaign kicks off at Lock 3

Thursday, October 12, 2006 ― Leaders from the business, city and school communities came together today at Lock 3 to support the passage of Issue 6, Akron Public Schools
7.9-mill operating issue on the November ballot. The press conference was part of “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide campaign to illustrate outstanding after-school programs including Akron’s Perkins Activities Central and Akron After School. Hundreds of students, including marching bands and choirs, filled Lock 3 for the event.

Akron Public Schools myriad business and community partners spoke out on the importance of strong links among schools, businesses and the community. Akron parent Dave Suncire, Joe Powell of Akron Steel Treating Company, City Council President Marco Sommerville and Assistant to the Mayor Billy Soule joined Superintendent Sylvester Small and Board of Education President Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker, Sr., to stress the vital need for Issue 6 and maintaining an educated workforce.

“If we are to continue our tremendous academic gains, if we are to continue preparing students for careers and college, we must pass Issue 6,” said Rev. Walker. “Without Issue 6, hundreds of our best teachers will be lost. We won’t be able to update textbooks or technology. Our art, music and sports programs are in jeopardy.”

“We owe it to our students to give them every opportunity to be successful,” said Superintendent Small. “Issue 6 provides those essentials. Good schools are the primary force behind a strong local economy and an educated workforce. Every business, community organization, neighborhood and individual succeeds and prospers if its local schools are strong. We need to reach out as a community to educate our children.”

Vivian Celeste Neal with the Knight Foundation, Perkins middle-schooler Tyler Jones and Barrett Academy student Terrell Grant each spoke on the impact of after-school programs such as Akron After School and Perkins Activities Central. The Knight Foundation and the city of Akron provide valuable resources for these programs.

Terrell Grant, a Barrett Academy fourth-grader who takes part in Akron After School, said, “In the after-school program, there are teachers who help the children understand their homework. It gives students a chance to explore their other talents and interests.”

Grant encouraged continued support of after-school programs because “children will have the opportunity to learn skills they would not have ever known ― not just kids today but millions of kids tomorrow.”

Issue 6 will generate about $23 million annually and cost the owner of an $80,000 home about $16 per month. Akron’s economy and businesses cannot grow without good schools. Issue 6 protects Akron’s educational programs and children’s futures. Issue 6 keeps Akron’s economy and neighborhoods strong