Akron Public Schools funding forecast

Akron Public Schools is raising concerns about 2 federal funding decisions they say would strip away about $7.7 million in support for students, staff, and families.  The proposed reductions, they say, would directly affect critical academic, enrichment, after-school, and college readiness programs.  The district was notified earlier this month that the federal government has canceled funding for the GEAR UP grant, which provides mentoring and college and career readiness support to about 1500 sophomores and juniors.  School officials are urging parents to take a stand and call members of Congress to oppose the cuts.