School Board OKs Plan for LeBron James School in Akron

The Cleveland Cavaliers are enjoying a nine-game winning streak on the court, and off the court, LeBron James is enjoying even more success. On Monday, the school board in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio approved the plan for a public school to be created in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation.

The foundation says that the “I Promise” school will focus on helping students who are at risk of falling behind. It will have longer school days and begin classes weeks before the other district schools to help encourage student success.

James and his business partner Maverick Carter will be teaming up with filmmaker Morgan Spurlock to document the launch of James’ school.

“Being able to create this school to specifically meet the needs of these kids and their families means everything to me. There are so many kids and families struggling, and we want this school to be a safe, positive place that helps them stay on the right track to earning their educations,” James said in a statement. “Having SpringHill Entertainment and an amazing filmmaker like Morgan Spurlock here to document this process is huge.

“We believe we’re changing the mold with the ‘I Promise’ School, and we’re excited to have that story be told by people who understand the importance of what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The school is scheduled to open next fall. While only third and fourth graders will be able to enroll in the school’s first year, it plans to add more grades in future years to come.

The “I Promise” school is just another reminder of how James has become so much more than just a basketball star to the people of Ohio. While winning championships is certainly his primary goal on the court, it is clear that making the world a better place is his biggest goal off of it.