FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Open Doors Academy Presents Luminary Award to Lima City Schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman
CLEVELAND, OH — Open Doors Academy (ODA) recently honored Jill Ackerman, Superintendent of Lima City Schools, with their 2024 Luminary Award for her outstanding contributions to out-of-school learning.
Ackerman’s career in Lima began in 1988 as a special education teacher, followed by roles as a middle school assistant principal and principal, before being named assistant superintendent in 2002. Since becoming superintendent in 2012, she has driven initiatives that include parent engagement and blended learning efforts, a school resource officer program, partnerships with the local food bank to establish food pantries, hiring a homeless liaison, and bringing a health center to the district for students, staff, and families.
Upon accepting the award, Ackerman emphasized her dedication to student success: “This award is for our school district. We’re simply doing what’s best for kids, and Open Doors Academy shares that mission. We are grateful for everything you’ve given us.”
Ackerman’s partnership with Open Doors Academy began during the pandemic, marking ODA’s first expansion beyond Northeast Ohio. Under her leadership, the program has grown to four additional campuses in Lima, providing more opportunities for local youth to benefit from high-quality out-of-school programs.
“Our work with Jill, Lima City Schools, and the City of Lima is built on shared values of supporting youth in helping them fulfill their potential,” said Dr. Dorothy Moulthrop, CEO of Open Doors Academy.” Jill’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding out-of-school learning opportunities across the region.”
The Luminary Award is presented annually to an Ohio-based leader who has made a significant impact on out-of-school time learning.
About Open Doors Academy
Open Doors Academy is a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to educational equity through high-quality afterschool programs, summer camps, scholar travel opportunities, and year-round family engagement for K-12 youth. With a mission to protect, inspire, nurture, and challenge youth to reach their full potential, ODA impacts over 1,800 students and their families annually across 29 schools in eight school districts throughout northern Ohio. Since 2018, 98% of high school scholars in ODA programs have graduated, with participating students also showing improved school attendance.
Watch the video honoring Jill.
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Media Contact for Open Doors Academy
Daniela Goncalves, Marketing Manager
dgoncalves@odacle.org
Media Contact for Lima City Schools
Beth Jokinen, Communications Coordinator
bjokinen@limacityschools.org
