New schools to open across area.

Byline: Stephanie Warsmith

Aug. 27--This time last year, Robert Pope was dreading riding the bus to Rimer Elementary School on Akron's far southwest side.

But this year, the Akron boy, 10, is looking forward to walking to school for the first time.

Robert will attend the new Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, which is about a block from his home.

The opening of Helen Arnold, at 450 Vernon Odom Blvd., on Wednesday will return an elementary school to the Lane Field neighborhood, which has been without one for nearly 30 years. It will also end cross-town busing for more than 180 students.

"He'll finally find a buddy he can walk home with," said Stephanie Rollins, Robert's mother.

Several members of Arnold's family recently toured the school that will bear the name of the longtime school board member.

When asked what the late Arnold's reaction would have been, they gave one word -- "Wow!"

"To actually be here in the building, words can't describe the joy we feel," said Cathy Lee, Arnold's oldest daughter, who helped plan the school. "We know our mom would truly,…