Mary Outley Officially Named Akron Public Schools Superintendent in Board Vote
The Akron Public Schools Board has officially appointed Mary Outley as superintendent, removing her “interim” title in a 5-1 vote on May 27. Outley, a Buchtel High School alum, will lead the district on a three-year contract with a $240,000 annual salary, matching that of her predecessor, Michael Robinson.
Board member Rene Molenaur cast the sole dissenting vote, stating it was not a reflection of Outley’s qualifications but rather a protest against the lack of a formal search process.
Outley’s appointment came swiftly after the board accepted Robinson’s resignation on April 28 amid findings of harassment and a toxic workplace culture. Just minutes after the separation, board member Diana Autry moved to appoint Outley permanently, bypassing any broader search or community input. The motion passed 4-3, with Molenaur, Barbara Sykes, and Rev. Greg Harrison opposed.
The board later reaffirmed the decision along the same 4-3 lines after identifying a procedural flaw in the April 28 vote.
Outley’s leadership begins at a pivotal time as the district seeks to move forward from recent administrative turmoil.
