Don Zesiger, director of safety for Akron Public Schools, resigns; will stay on as liaison

Akron Public Schools Director of Safety and Security Don Zesiger has resigned from the director position. He will stay on with the district as a police liaison officer, allowing him to work events in the district.

Former superintendent Christine Fowler Mack hired Zesiger in August 2022 to the director position, which was new for the district. Fowler Mack split what was formerly one job into two, creating the director of safety and security and director of student services positions.

Zesiger was the former chief of police in Tallmadge and worked in security and safety roles for Akron Children's Hospital, the Summit County Sheriff's Office and Akron Police, where he was a police liaison with the school district.

Zesiger oversaw the implementation of several new safety measures in the wake of concerns raised by teachers about student behavior and safety measures in schools. During Zesiger's two years in the job, the district purchased new metal detectors and bags that lock up students' cell phones during the day.

Zesiger said he is leaving the director's job because he was looking for more flexibility to spend more time with his family.

"It's been a great experience," Zesiger said. "I'm honored to be among so many competent, professional, caring people that work for APS and have the best interest of children every day."

The administration said it will fill Zesiger's role, which is a senior staff-level position.

Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.