As principal of Perkins Technology Middle School in Akron, a technology magnet school with a student population made up almost entirely of minorities, Robert McKinnie has enlarged his school's technological resources through venture capital grants. The school now has two computer labs, an e-mail system, and an LCD panel for each classroom. Teachers are also paid a stipend for attending technology training sessions. On another front, he has improved discipline at Perkins by implementing such techniques as in-school, rather than out-of-school, suspensions and a "Quiet Day," during which students observe a rule of silence while changing classes. In addition, Mr. McKinnie offers a variety of incentives, such as banquets, dances and PTA-sponsored activities to recognize and reward students.
1989 University of Akron, B.A.
