Spotlight of the Week: Mary Outley – Akron’s New Superintendent Ushers in a Season of Unity and Academic Renewal
Akron Public Schools has officially entered a new chapter under the leadership of Mary Outley, a lifelong educator and product of the district she now leads. Appointed on April 28, 2025, Ms. Outley becomes only the second woman in the district’s history to permanently hold the superintendent role, pending final contract approval.
With over 34 years of service to Akron Public Schools, Ms. Outley brings a wealth of experience, institutional knowledge, and deep-rooted commitment to student success. A proud graduate of Buchtel High School, she has served as a teacher, administrator, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and most recently, Executive Director of School Leadership. Her career has been marked by unwavering dedication to building strong school communities, elevating academic achievement, and mentoring the next generation of student and staff leaders.
Her appointment came amid a late-night, split 4-3 board vote following the departure of former superintendent Michael Robinson. While the decision-making process sparked conversation, Outley responded with characteristic grace and a forward-looking spirit:
“The process now is over… and we need to decide the best course of action, working with my board. I’m here to do the work — locked, arm in arm — to move our district forward.”
What makes Outley’s story particularly powerful is its full-circle nature, from walking the halls of Akron Public Schools as a student to now leading the district as its top official. This sense of purpose, combined with her focus on restoring unity, strengthening academic excellence, and centering students, defines her vision for the district’s future.
Despite a whirlwind appointment she didn’t anticipate, Outley embraced the moment with humility and resolve.
“I did not foresee any of this happening… But again, maybe this is the right time.”
That sense of timing and her decades of preparation makes Mary Outley a fitting leader for this pivotal moment in Akron’s educational journey. With her at the helm, Akron Public Schools is poised to build stronger connections between families, educators, and community stakeholders, ensuring that every decision centers on what truly matters: the students.
