Dr. David W. James
Board of Trustees Member
Office hours
Term Expires in 2032
About
Dr. David W. James was named an appointed to a term begining August 7, 2026.
James previously served as an Advisory Trustee from 2019-2022 and from 2023-2026. James joined Summit Education Initiative as its executive director in January 2023. Prior to this, James served as deputy superintendent of operations at Columbus City Schools after he retired from Akron Public Schools in 2021.
James is best known in Akron for his 29-year stint as superintendent of Akron Public Schools. During his tenure, he brought the College and Career Academies experiential learning model to Akron, transforming the entire educational experience for all students.
Leadership from James also led to the partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation to create the I PROMISE School, which opened in July 2018. This educational model provides wrap-around support to at-risk students and the resources they need to stay on track to graduation.
James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, his Master of Arts degree in Public Administration, both from Cleveland State University, and his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Phoenix.
He is the recipient of the 2022 Downtown Akron Kiwanis, David James Excellent Educator Award; 2021 Community Action Akron Summit, Hubert H. Humphrey Humanitarian Award; 2019 Leadership Akron, Lieberth Community Vision Award; and the 2019 Values in Action, Sam Miller Goodness Award, among others.
Term expires 2032