With Summit County in the critical “purple” level during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have had to get creative with teaching, whether it be in person, virtual, or a mix of both. But that creativity does not stop at the academic level.

David James is the soon-to-be-retiring superintendent of Akron Public Schools, and he joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to talk about a variety of topics revolving around education and the pandemic, which included pausing winter sports through December. James says he has worked with the APS athletic department and the county health department to come up with a timetable on when to restart winter sports, if indeed Summit County comes out of the purple level.

As for the students in the classroom, Akron Public Schools, along with countless other districts, are balancing safety with learning. James is concerned with some students falling behind with their grades due to virtual learning, and there is the possibility seniors could spend their final high school year out of the classroom.