Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce two leadership updates within the district. Mr. Nat Akiona has been named the next principal of Yates Primary School, and Mrs. Emily Raper has been named the new principal of Cleveland Middle School. Mr. Akiona currently serves as principal of Cleveland Middle School, where he has led since joining Cleveland City Schools in 2021. With more than 30 years of experience in education, Mr. Akiona brings a deep love for students and a heart for service. His move to Yates Primary marks a new chapter of service within Cleveland City Schools, where he will have the opportunity to support some of the district’s youngest learners and the educators who help build their foundation. “Mr. Akiona brings a wealth of school leadership experience to Yates,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “He leads with drive and energy. We are excited for the Yates Primary families and community to experience his care, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping children grow.” “I have always enjoyed the world of elementary education,” Mr. Akiona said. “It is where miracles are considered daily accomplishments. Seeing the growth that happens in this age group and having a part in their development is a great honor. I look forward to working with the wonderful staff at Yates Primary School, many of whom I previously had the privilege to work with.” Mrs. Raper currently serves as an assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School, where she has continued to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Her connection to CMS began in 2011, when she started her career in Cleveland City Schools as a student teacher at the middle school. Since then, Mrs. Raper has served Cleveland City Schools in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, BLADE Facilitator, Operations Assistant Principal at Blythe Bower Elementary School, and assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School. Her experience across both instruction and school leadership has given her a strong understanding of what students and teachers need to thrive. “Mrs. Raper is a proven leader who knows and loves Cleveland Middle School,” said Dr. Elliott. “She has built meaningful relationships across this district, and she brings both a teacher’s heart and a leader’s vision to this role. We are excited for her to continue serving the CMS community in this new capacity.” “I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of principal at a school that means so much to me personally and professionally,” Mrs. Raper said. “After 15 years serving this community as both a teacher and an administrator, I know all of the amazing things that happen at CMS each day. I am proud to continue working alongside our outstanding students, staff, and families as we build an even brighter future together.” Cleveland City Schools looks forward to Mrs. Raper’s continued leadership at Cleveland Middle School and to welcoming Mr. Akiona to the Yates Primary School community. These leadership updates reflect the district’s continued commitment to strong relationships, meaningful service, and student success across Cleveland City Schools.

Cleveland City Schools Announces Leadership Updates at Cleveland Middle School and Yates Primary School

Cleveland City Schools

May 22, 2026

Cleveland City Schools Announces Leadership Updates at Cleveland Middle School and Yates Primary School
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce two leadership updates within the district. Mr. Nat Akiona has been named the next principal of Yates Primary School, and Mrs. Emily Raper has been named the new principal of Cleveland Middle School.

Mr. Akiona currently serves as principal of Cleveland Middle School, where he has led since joining Cleveland City Schools in 2021. With more than 30 years of experience in education, Mr. Akiona brings a deep love for students and a heart for service. His move to Yates Primary marks a new chapter of service within Cleveland City Schools, where he will have the opportunity to support some of the district’s youngest learners and the educators who help build their foundation.

“Mr. Akiona brings a wealth of school leadership experience to Yates,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “He leads with drive and energy. We are excited for the Yates Primary families and community to experience his care, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping children grow.”

“I have always enjoyed the world of elementary education,” Mr. Akiona said. “It is where miracles are considered daily accomplishments. Seeing the growth that happens in this age group and having a part in their development is a great honor. I look forward to working with the wonderful staff at Yates Primary School, many of whom I previously had the privilege to work with.”

Mrs. Raper currently serves as an assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School, where she has continued to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Her connection to CMS began in 2011, when she started her career in Cleveland City Schools as a student teacher at the middle school.

Since then, Mrs. Raper has served Cleveland City Schools in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, BLADE Facilitator, Operations Assistant Principal at Blythe Bower Elementary School, and assistant principal at Cleveland Middle School. Her experience across both instruction and school leadership has given her a strong understanding of what students and teachers need to thrive.

“Mrs. Raper is a proven leader who knows and loves Cleveland Middle School,” said Dr. Elliott. “She has built meaningful relationships across this district, and she brings both a teacher’s heart and a leader’s vision to this role. We are excited for her to continue serving the CMS community in this new capacity.”

“I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of principal at a school that means so much to me personally and professionally,” Mrs. Raper said. “After 15 years serving this community as both a teacher and an administrator, I know all of the amazing things that happen at CMS each day. I am proud to continue working alongside our outstanding students, staff, and families as we build an even brighter future together.”

Cleveland City Schools looks forward to Mrs. Raper’s continued leadership at Cleveland Middle School and to welcoming Mr. Akiona to the Yates Primary School community. These leadership updates reflect the district’s continued commitment to strong relationships, meaningful service, and student success across Cleveland City Schools.