Akron Public Schools are considering closing one of their community learning centers due to declining enrollment and budget constraints. The district has been facing a $37 million deficit for the 2028-29 school year and has already cut $11 million from the upcoming school year’s budget.

Community Learning Centers

The community learning centers were established as part of a decades-old agreement between the school district and the city to operate the buildings as community hubs. The centers have become a national model, with the Community Learning Center Institute in Cincinnati leading the effort to make schools neighborhood hubs.

However, with enrollment declining, the district is being forced to re-evaluate its footprint. ‘They’re going to have to look at the number of kids attending [schools],’ said retired Akron schools superintendent David James. ‘It’s going to be a hard swallow for the community, but unfortunately, some of the things that have happened with legislation in Columbus have promoted a drain on public schools to other education options.’

Impact on the Community

If a community learning center were to close, it would not only affect the students but also the local community that uses the facilities. The city would have a seat at the table in determining the future of the building, and the proceeds of any sale would be split between the city and the school district.

‘If a site were to change hands, the question wouldn’t just be ownership,’ wrote Patricia Porter, digital media assistant for the mayor’s office. ‘It would be: How does this continue to serve the neighborhood?’

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.