Imagine a school where the most low-performing kids could go to improve both their minds and their character in an environment so nurturing, it carries over into their home lives.
If it sounds like a dream, that’s because right now, it is.
But the kid from Akron has realized larger dreams before.
The LeBron James Family Foundation, in partnership with Akron Public Schools, unveiled its proposal for a new public school Tuesday evening called the I Promise School, which would educate students at risk of falling behind their peers.
The school would be based off the foundation’s existing I Promise Network programs, which have supported more than 1,100 Akron-area grade school students the past six years with programs, support and mentors.
Those developing the school want to implement what has worked well with the I Promise Network and turn it into a curriculum for kids in first through eighth grades.
Michele Campbell, the foundation’s executive director, said the I Promise programs help educate kids on academics and character building. At the same time, they work to engage participating families to hone a supportive environment at home as well.
“The goal is to infuse that into the school,” Campbell said.
David James, the superintendent of Akron Public Schools (APS), said between more than 30 elementary schools and seven middle schools in the district, the program would be easier to implement and more effective if it were consolidated under one roof.
The school would be a public school in the APS system, while the foundation and its community partners would provide the resources the school needs to achieve the goal, Campbell said.
The proposed vision is to expand the Akron Public Schools’ curriculum and take a hands-on, problem-based learning focus while following the foundation’s “We Are Family” philosophy. STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — will be stressed.
Students currently in the I Promise program will continue in it as it is until graduation. The new school in 2018 will start with newly identified students and will become the standard for the program. Once the current I Promise participants graduate, all I Promise students will attend the school and not be integrated into other Akron schools.
The targeted eligible population will be similar to the foundation’s current students, who are at-risk in reading and in need of additional academic intervention before falling further behind. Those who are eligible will then be chosen randomly from a lottery to attend the school.
“The reality in Akron is that not every student has the infrastructure and support system in place to be able to focus on their education. It’s up to us to help create the safety net and the support system so that education can be their top priority,” said Patrick Bravo, APS Board of Education president. “I see the potential in this school to be a positive place of learning, support and enrichment for some of our most vulnerable students at a time when they need it most.”
Several committees composed of local leaders, educators, parents and experts are forming to determine the logistics of the new school.
The committees will submit a master plan to the APS Board of Education for approval in October.
If approved, the school would open in fall 2018 with newly identified third- and fourth-grade classes. First and second grades would be added the following year, and by 2022, the school would accommodate first- through eighth-graders.
“We all want the same thing, and that’s what’s best for the kids,” Campbell said.
Logistics
Several committees, including main, curriculum and transportation committees, still have to work out many of the details over the next six months.
A location is still unknown, although James said there won’t be any new buildings constructed.
Instead, the I Promise school will replace an existing school, and the district will work to “shuffle some kids around,” James said.
The district has been making similar changes because of enrollment and budget issues. APS recently made the final decision to merge two existing high schools — Garfield and Kenmore — because enrollment has declined in the district.
James said some schools are still at half capacity, making them potential candidates for the new school.
Surprise
The LJFF announced the partnership at Goodyear Hall, where proponents, including James, were present to explain their roles.
The news broke with a video, which surprised even some of the foundation’s members.
Sasianna Meadows, a 17-year-old ‘330 Ambassador’ who works with kids in the I PROMISE Network, said the school was something she’d been brainstorming with others in the foundation.
“Now that it’s a reality, I’m so excited,” Meadows said.
“We really can’t wait to be a part of something that’s this big.”
James closed the presentation with comments about his excitement for the project to move forward.
“I can’t believe I have my own school. It feels surreal,” James said. “This city has done so much for us, and I guess at this point … the least we could do is continue to give back … and lay the blueprint for the kids and the generations that come after it.”
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com.