Akron Public Schools’ Treasurer Steve Thompson is a finalist for a similar position with Cincinnati Public Schools, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“My goal has always been to finish my career here in Akron, that’s my intention,” Thompson told Signal Akron. “And I guess part of it is up to our school board.”
Thompson is in the second year of a two-year contract, which expires in June and has yet to be renewed. In recent months, he and Superintendent Michael Robinson have been tasked with cutting upwards of $14 million from the district’s budget to ensure long-term fiscal solvency following the passage of a levy in November.
“I haven’t been given anything negative from this school board, but I am in the last year of my contract,” Thompson said.
Thompson recently purchased a condo in downtown Akron, and he said he intends to work about six more years in public education before retiring. He said the state and federal landscape for public education funding makes it tough for all school districts to forecast how they could be affected. Still, he feels his staff at APS is well-equipped to handle any changes.
“I really, sincerely, love my job here,” Thompson said. “My department is wonderful, they’re the best group of people top to bottom I’ve ever worked with.”
Prior to joining APS as chief financial officer and treasurer, the Marine Corps veteran was the superintendent of Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools from 2011-2022. Before that, he served as superintendent at Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools and West Liberty-Salem Local Schools. He earns more than $203,000 annually in his current role.
Cincinnati Public Schools, like APS, is one of Ohio’s large urban school districts. It has about 35,000 students, compared to Akron’s 20,000, with more than $683 million in revenue in fiscal year 2024, according to financial data publicly shared by the district. The district’s total expenditures were more than $678 million, with a forecast to carry a positive cash balance through fiscal year 2027.
APS is expected to bring in more than $365 million in revenue in fiscal year 2025, which includes $13 million from the recently passed operating levy.
Thompson’s performance review highlights need to improve communication with superintendent
Thompson and Robinson, who both report directly to the school board, have not always had a harmonic working relationship. In its review of both administrators last July, the Akron Board of Education noted that the duo needed to communicate more effectively.
The board recommended in Thompson’s review that the pair meet at least twice a week. They had been working together for a year at that point.
“The goal of the meetings is to improve communications and to begin to build a strong working relationship,” the evaluation said.
Robinson did not respond to requests for comment from Signal Akron. Similarly, Board President Carla Jackson did not respond to inquiries.
Among Thompson’s strengths, according to his 2024 evaluation, were his competency, professionalism and understanding of school finance. He has been a staple at public board meetings during his tenure as treasurer, providing frequent financial forecasts for the district.
In his most recent report to the board on Feb. 10, Thompson said the district’s budget was on shaky ground due to uncertainties around potential state and federal cuts for public school funding. He said he was planning to meet with legislators to assess the statewide budgeting and would provide updates at a future meeting.
