Akron schools superintendent accused of harassment, hostile intimidation

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) – The Akron Education Association is calling for action after more allegations surfaced about Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson.

“This violent, abusive and despicable behavior must stop,” said attorney Donald Malarcik.

In a letter written to the Akron Board of Education on Dec. 5, former communications director Mark Williamson reveals what he calls abuse.

Williamson, who retired in October, details a number of interactions he had with Robinson.

In one claim, Williamson writes that Robinson called two female reporters a derogatory insult in front of the district’s director of human resources.

Williamson continues to question why the superintendent was not immediately punished for this.

Akron Education Association President Pat Shipe spoke.

“To use the kind of language he used, in this case against female reporters, along with the language he used against employees and students is very troubling,” Shipe said. “And it’s certainly not the example we want to set for our students or any kids.”

Association attorney Donald Malarcik told 19 News this is not the first time Robinson has been accused of inappropriate behavior.

He accuses the superintendent of intimidation and communication problems.

So what to do with all these accusations?

The association says they have filed more than 20 complaints and the Board of Education has begun an internal investigation.

But the association says they are not happy with the way this is being done.

“They left the superintendent on the job with direct contact with the people who accuse him of creating a toxic work environment,” Shipe said. “Any other Akron Public Schools employee would be placed on administrative leave.”

19 News reached out to the school system, all members of the Board of Education and Dr. Robinson.

I didn’t get any answers. The school system is currently on winter break.

Once we hear back, we’ll update this story.