AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Public Schools board says it will hold a special meeting to reconsider its plans to suspend fall sports and activities amid the coronavirus pandemic.  

APS board President Patrick Bravo said at least one board member is now considering changing their vote to allow sports to resume this fall. 

“I have spoken to at least one board member who had indicated that they wanted to continue the discussion, they wanted to see if we could do that sooner rather than later,” Bravo told 3News. 

There was frustration from parents and students over the board’s initial vote to move forward with fall sports and activities. Steven Marshall started a petition on Change.org against the board’s decision to delay the start of sports and activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 2,000 people have signed the petition.  

Marshall said sports and activities provide structure and opportunities for students. 

“I can afford to send my son to another location to train, but most kids can’t,” said Marshall. “That’s what I’m hearing from most people, that this is the only opportunity to get out of the house to work out, meet people and socialize.”

On Thursday, parents and students protested the board’s decision outside the administration building in Downtown Akron. After several discussions, the school board hesitated to allow sports to resume citing the possible risks amid the pandemic.  

On Monday, Summit County Health Commissioner Donna Skoda addressed the board’s reopening plan for sports during their virtual meeting. She stated that there’s always a risk in reopening, but also noted there’s a “lower risk” since the students are currently learning remotely and would not be entering school buildings for classes.  

Ohio Governor Mike Dewine gave the green light for schools to move forward with fall sports earlier this month.  

“We’ve been taking our time with this decision,” Bravo said. “We’ve been struggling over it. All of us have. While I can’t guarantee the outcome, it’s important that [students] know we’re listening.”