Lakers News: Academic Controversy Reportedly Rising at LeBron James’ ‘I Promise’ School

Some educational burdens to get over!

LeBron James has been making noise in the business world over the past year as he been able to truly define what it means to be successful in multiple aspects of life. Not only has he remained one of the top players in the NBA as he pushes age 40 but he also has closed multiple sponsorship deals and been able to make the most of his entertainment companies.

One of his most cherished accomplishments was undoubtedly opening up his 'I Promise' school in Akron, Ohio. He made it clear that something he always wanted to change in his home town was making sure that the upcoming generation received all of the necessary opportunities needed to succeed in both their educational and career journeys.

It seemed as though everything was going smooth on that end. James even recently announced that on top of just the school getting major upgrades, housing would also be included right near the school along with a number of job openings for the students and parents.

But now reports have surfaced that no eighth graders who have been attending the 'I Promise' school have not passed a state math test in the past three years. 

"This fall's class of eighth graders at the

I Promise School

hasn't had a single student pass the state's math test since the group was in the third grade. "Not one? In three years?" Akron Public Schools board member Valerie McKitrick asked after that data point was presented to the board earlier this week."

(Via Yahoo)

"It is discouraging," responded Keith Liechty-Clifford, the district's director of school improvement. Five years into the I Promise School, a public school that operates in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation, Akron school board members are starting to ask questions about whether I Promise is living up to its academic promise."

(Via Yahoo)

Nonetheless, board members and teachers have still supported their students through it all and even though they are not pleased with the test results, they still have committed to helping them get better from here on out.