Officials at the LeBron James-backed “I Promise School” in Akron, OH are expressing concern following the failure of its eighth-grade students on a state-wide math exam.
Despite receiving $1.4 million in funding from its parent organization, The LeBron James Foundation, the school has been unable to meet state benchmarks according to a report from the Akron Beacon Journal.
Keith Liechty-Clifford, the district’s school improvement czar, acknowledged the challenges faced by the institution, stating, “We had anticipated that this journey would be difficult considering we are working with students who are already two years or more behind.”
Dr. Derrick Hall, the school board president, also expressed bewilderment at the school’s underwhelming performance given the abundance of resources available.
He noted that the pandemic may have had an impact but pointed out that non-selected students, who do not have the same level of resources, are actually performing better. Dr. Hall had high hopes for the I Promise School to serve as an incubator for innovative ideas that could be implemented in other district schools.
However, he voiced his disappointment upon reviewing the current data.
“When we started this work to wraparound students through education, we entered this partnership with Akron Public School for the long haul,” a LeBron James Family Foundation spokesperson told Complex on Monday. “Because this work requires a long term commitment, hard work, and a lot of love and care. And that’s what we bring each and every day because the I Promise School is more than a school. We’re here for the ups and downs, and will continue to wraparound our students and their entire families so they can be successful in school and in life, no matter the challenges and obstacles that come their way.”
The representative further mentioned that the entire staff is filled with great enthusiasm for the upcoming school year, as they believe Stephanie Davis, the newly appointed principal, is the ideal candidate to guide the school towards a bright future.
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