Correction:
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Akron police officers stationed at Akron's public schools will receive the full amount of hourly rates reimbursed to the city.
Akron Public Schools has finalized a two-year, $2.6 million contract with city officials to keep police officers in school buildings — just days before the start of the school year.
In total, 14 officers will be assigned to the school resource officers’ program.
Most of the officers stationed last school year in schools will remain in those assignments, according to school board president Carla Jackson and Al Jones, the school district’s head of security.
“I’m very glad we were able to come to this agreement,” Jackson said. “We were close the whole time.”
A single phrase triggered months of negotiation, as well as delays: language allowing for the temporary or permanent removal of school-based police officers — particularly if they’re deemed a poor fit or involved in a use-of-force incident.
The autonomy debate originated following a use-of-force incident last year at Firestone Community Learning Center in which an SRO punched a teenaged student multiple times in the head. The student was trying to circumvent metal detectors so he could keep his phone during the school day.
The relevant sections in the new contract read:
Temporary & Immediate Removal
For good cause, the BOARD or its designee may request, and CITY shall agree to, temporary and immediate relocation of the SRO to a non-student district location. The CITY shall prioritize, and proceed with all deliberate speed, any temporary and immediate relocation request based upon good cause.
Permanent Removal
Upon the BOARD’s request for permanent removal from all district locations, and expiration of any applicable notice periods, the Chief will make a determination as to the BOARD’s request. If, in good faith, the BOARD disagrees with the Chief’s decision, the BOARD may submit a written request for removal of the subject SRO. If the BOARD properly requests permanent removal in compliance with all of the mandates of this provision, the CITY shall remove the SRO. The BOARD shall provide the CITY with at least ten (10) days advanced notice before any SRO is permanently removed.
Amount Akron schools will reimburse the city increases annually
The contract runs through July 2027 and increases the amount the district will reimburse to the city for the SRO’s pay each year.
From August 2025 through the end of this year, APS will contribute $55 hourly. At the start of 2026, that rate will increase to $62 hourly through the end of that year. And in 2027, APS will contribute $67 hourly through the end of the contract.
The district reimburses the city for about 67% of their pay.
Officers will be placed at the following schools: Buchtel CLC (middle and high school), East CLC (middle and high school), Ellet CLC, Firestone CLC, Garfield CLC, North High School, NIHF-STEM High School, Hyre CLC, Innes CLC, Jennings CLC, Litchfield CLC and NIHF-STEM Middle School.
