David James

Akron Public Schools Superintendent David W. James is the 22nd chief executive of the Akron school system. He oversees roughly 20,000 pupils, 3,000 employees and operations of more than 40 school buildings.

The Akron Board of Education selected Mr. James in August of 2008 to lead the public school system through a period of significant transition.

David James continues to oversee the largest building renovation and consolidation project in the history of the Akron schools. Upon completion, the $800 million endeavor will have converted nearly all Akron school buildings into modern, safe community learning centers — schools by day, community learning centers (CLCs) for residents during evenings and weekends.

David James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and his master’s degree from Cleveland State University, in public administration.

David is the 2017 recipient of the Ohio Superintendent Outstanding Performance Award from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation and — in 2017 — received the Glass Half Full Award from GAR Foundation. The Glass Half Full Award honors leaders for their inspiring and optimistic guidance of nonprofit organizations.

Mr. James was president (2017-18) of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. He received the Community Service Award from Project GRAD in 2017 and an Honorary Alumni Award from The University of Akron in 2013, is a 2008 Leadership Akron graduate and the 2007 recipient of the Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award in Education.