Aug. 12 Akron Board of Education meeting
Covered by Documenter Wittman Sullivan (see his notes here)
Shellery Haines, who’s been a secretary at Buchtel Community Learning Center for 15 years, won the Akron schools’ inaugural Support Staff of the Year Award.
Haines received the award from Akron Superintendent Michael Robinson, who praised her contribution to the district at the Aug. 12 board meeting.
“She pays close attention to the details of her work and is known for her reliability even when working alone or with a building full of substitutes,” Robinson said. “Haines has impeccable work ethics, extensive knowledge about her position and has a positive attitude that shines through even under pressure.”
He added that Haines is an indispensable asset to Buchtel, and they are “very blessed” to have such a dedicated employee.
Board President Diana Autry echoed the sentiments about Haines.
“I know she is very humble, but I wanted to chime in as I’ve had the opportunity to work with Haines over many years at Buchtel,” Autry said. “They always say, ‘Secretaries are your best friend in the building.’ She has definitely been that, and I want to thank you as well.”
Traditionally, the district recognizes a Teacher of the Year and this year added a Principal of the Year award as well.
A plaque with principal, teacher and support staff-of-the-year awards will be displayed outside the Board of Education room in the administrative office downtown.
Akron Schools’ cosmetology program changes
Also at the meeting, Marcie Ebright, director of college and career academies, provided an update on Buchtel CLC’s cosmetology program.
Unlike other college and career pathways offered at APS, this is a fully licensed state cosmetology program. There are 1,789 course hours available, but students only need to earn 1,500 hours and pass the exams to get a cosmetology license.
This program was reapproved for the 2024-2025 school year in May.
Students will also benefit from a fully licensed instructor with 10 years of professional experience leading the program. If a student completes the program and passes exams, Ebright said it’s a $24,000 value. They will graduate with the ability to do hair design, manicuring, natural hair styling, esthetics, and full cosmetology.
“We’re all very happy about it,” Ebright said.
The last few classes to go through the cosmetology program were affected by two things that prevented the students from obtaining a full cosmetology license. One reason was remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic (the state did not accept remote learning hours). The second was instruction from a substitute who wasn’t licensed. The original instructor suffered an injury, which led to the placement of a sub.
To earn 1,500 hours, students must take required cosmetology courses and labs and math and science courses. They must also attend after-school and summer workshops, and complete approved salon internships.
Watch a recording of the Aug. 12 Board of Education meeting.
