Summit Education Initiative

In January 2023, Dr. David W. James became the Executive Director of Summit Education Initiative (SEI). With almost 30 years of experience in public education leadership, he is dedicated to advancing SEI's vision of preparing Summit County students for success and promoting prosperity through education. Before joining SEI, Dr. James served as Deputy Superintendent of Operations at Columbus City Schools after he retired from Akron Public Schools in 2021.

His role with Columbus City Schools included oversight of the following departments: Human Resources, Information Technology, and Business Operations, which provides for Buildings and Grounds, Custodial Services, Capital Improvements, Food Services, Outreach, Purchasing, Warehouse and Printing, Real Estate, Shared Services, Safety and Security, and Transportation.

Dr. James is best known in Akron for his 13-year tenure as Superintendent of Akron Public Schools. During this time, he initiated a unique collaboration between the school district, the City of Akron, and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, leading to the reconstruction or major renovation of most APS school buildings to create Community Learning Centers.

Dr. James, his staff, and key community partners successfully collaborated with Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) to develop the College and Career Academies of Akron. This experiential learning model transformed the entire educational experience for all students. As a result, the Akron Public Schools earned designation as a Ford Next Generation Learning Community. Ford NGL, a branch of Ford Motor Company, is well known across the country for its innovative educational methods that help high school students get ready for both college and future careers.

Under Dr. James's leadership, a partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation led to the creation of the I PROMISE School, which opened in July 2018. This educational model offers comprehensive support to at-risk students, providing them with the resources needed to stay on track for graduation. In partnership with Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), he led the effort to have Akron Public Schools partner with AMHA in constructing the Reach Opportunity Center. This center provides access to early learning opportunities provided by Akron Public Schools, the local Head Start Program, and community programs offered by AMHA to an underserved community.

Dr. James is the recipient of the 2025 Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Building for Tomorrow, Reach Higher Community Excellence Award; the 2022 Downtown Akron Kiwanis, David James Excellent Educator Award; 2021 Community Action Akron Summit, Hubert H. Humphrey Humanitarian Award; and the 2019 Leadership Akron, Lieberth Community Vision Award. He is a Leadership Akron Class 24 graduate.

Dr. James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and his Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Phoenix.