RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: School's Out Forever

6.03.2005

School's Out Forever

Fairlawn Elementary and David Hill are the first two schools slated for demolition in APS's $800 million plan to rebuild and renovate the district. Yesterday was the last day of classes at both school.

Thursday was the last day of the calendar year for Akron Public Schools. The day of goodbyes took on special significance at David Hill and Fairlawn elementaries.

The two schools are the first that will be razed and rebuilt under the district's $800 million construction project.

Until the new buildings are complete, students will be bused to a former office building at 400 W. Market St. near downtown Akron. The district bought this property and is expected to spend about $3.5 million transforming it into temporary classroom space to be used until new schools are completed.

The kids aren't the ones who are upset by the change, that all is coming from generations who spent their youth in those schools.

Cynthia Slack, said, "I don't know that the kids are as concerned as the parents" are about being bused next year and the impending demise of the Fairlawn Elementary building. The red-brick structure in West Akron near the border with Fairlawn was built in 1929.

"The parents are having a hard time adjusting -- maybe it shows our age," the mother said.

That seems to be a common theme in Akron. The next generation is ready to move forward, but the previous generation is providing roadblocks to the future. And I'm not just talking about schools, I'm talking about area business and the Akron "cool" factor, too.

The BJ:: Two Akron schools are out -- for good

(joe :: School's Out Forever)

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