Akron Educators Appealed Termination Proceedings
Two Akron school employees have requested hearings to contest board-led efforts to end their employment.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Timothy Patrick and Crystal Kouns have formally challenged the Akron Public Schools board decision to terminate their employment. The action follows a board vote initiated in September to remove the educators from their district roles.
Why it matters
The appeals initiate a formal review process where independent referees will evaluate the termination cases. This procedural step allows employees to contest allegations and ensures district actions undergo external oversight.
Employees have a 10-day window following notification to request a hearing before an independent referee. The process involves 53-year-old Timothy Patrick and Crystal Kouns, who currently face distinct allegations of workplace misconduct.
The players
Timothy Patrick
He is a 53-year-old JROTC instructor at East Community Learning Center whose certification was suspended.
Crystal Kouns
She is a school employee at Ellet Community Learning Center facing allegations of inappropriate student discussions and retaliation.
Elizabeth Sholar
She is a former employee at Forest Hill Community Learning Center who resigned following testing practice allegations.
Akron Public Schools
This is the public school district responsible for overseeing the staff termination and resignation processes.
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
This state agency is responsible for selecting independent referees for employee termination hearings and managing teaching licenses.
The details
Timothy Patrick, a JROTC instructor at East Community Learning Center, faces accusations of excessive physical contact with a 17-year-old student, while Crystal Kouns of Ellet Community Learning Center is accused of retaliation and absenteeism. Separately, Elizabeth Sholar resigned from Forest Hill Community Learning Center following allegations of inappropriate testing practices in April 2026.
Timeline
April 2026: Elizabeth Sholar allegedly used inappropriate testing practices.
May 2026: Timothy Patrick was involved in an incident with a student.
May 15, 2026: Patrick's JROTC instructor certification was suspended.
September 14, 2026: The school board voted to initiate termination proceedings.
Culture Shift
The appeals process reflects the broader societal emphasis on administrative due process and transparency within public educational institutions. By adhering to state-mandated hearing requirements, the district follows established protocols that govern teacher conduct and labor rights.
The ongoing termination reviews may influence staffing stability and administrative operations at East and Ellet Community Learning Centers. Residents may see continued school board focus on disciplinary standards as these cases proceed through the independent hearing process.
The takeaway
The use of independent referees provides a structured legal path for both school districts and employees to resolve personnel disputes. These procedures are designed to ensure that specific allegations are weighed objectively against established professional standards.
Further reading
For more information on district policies, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Akron Beacon Journal.
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