Akron schools announce new plan for Buchtel, 2 other schools

Akron schools announced Wednesday a new program designed to improve its lowest performing schools.

The announcement came during a news conference outlining ''new, bold and creative instructional models'' for the Buchtel and Perkins Community Learning Center, the Akron Opportunity Center and Bridges Learning Center.

School officials say they plan to transform the Buchtel and Perkins CLC into Akron's first ''New Tech High School.''

''The New Tech approach focuses on the integration of three core elements that work to establish a culture that empowers students and teachers, engages students with rigorous project-based learning, and provides a unique technology platform to reinforce a collaborative learning environment,'' the district said in a news release.