Two high-profile executives in Akron Public Schools are leaving.
The last day for Yamini Adkins, the executive director of Human Capital, and Mike Defibaugh, the director of labor relations, is Jan. 3.
Board President Diana Autry confirmed the resignations to Signal Akron.
The development occurs months before the district is expected to begin contract negotiations with the Akron Education Association, the local teachers’ union. To date, the union has filed nearly 20 grievances, four Unfair Labor Practice complaints and one lawsuit against the district.
District spokeswoman Stacey Hodoh said in an email that the labor relations team will report to Tod Wammes following Defibaugh’s departure.
“Wammes will report directly to the superintendent at this time and until further notice,” Hodoh said.
Defibaugh said his role covered a broad range of topics. He said he handled union grievances, contract interpretations, training, resolutions of contractual disputes, board policies and internal reviews of any contracts the district signs.
Defibaugh, who started in the position in early 2024, said he would likely seek employment in Akron, possibly at a law firm.
“I’m just trying to find a little bit of a better fit for me,” he said.
Adkins did not offer insight into her next steps.
“I’ve made the personal decision to move in a different direction,” Adkins said via email.
Board member says departures won’t cripple district
Board member Gregory Harrison told Signal Akron the departures of “good people” are inevitable at an institution as large as APS. Harrison also said the systems the board and district have for recruiting new employees help mitigate the departure of experienced leaders.
“We certainly need their experience and expertise, but we’re not crippled as a district,” Harrison said.
Neither Superintendent Michael Robinson nor Angela Carter, his chief of staff, responded to requests for comment.
Labor relations leader’s exit creates questions around upcoming contract talks
In 2022, during the last round of negotiations, the teachers’ union filed a strike notice after months of stalled contract talks. The teacher walkout was averted when a tentative contract was reached.
The contract between APS and the teachers’ union expires on June 30, 2025. According to the contract, negotiations for a new contract are to begin “within five work days after March 1, 2025.”
AEA represents about 3,000 teachers in Akron. The district has nearly 20,000 students in its schools, the overwhelming majority of whom are educated by unionized teachers.