Mary Outley’s education to-do list has officially increased in size and scope.
Student success. Union contracts. Local law enforcement inside schools. School construction projects. Teacher morale. A $500 million annual budget and more.
On Monday night, the Akron Board of Education made it official, removing the interim tag from Outley’s title and naming her superintendent of Akron Public Schools — with a three-year contract worth $240,000 annually.
Outley, an Akron native and longtime public school educator and administrator, is tasked with leading the district through two major school construction projects, shrinking revenue streams due to state and federal government cuts and student enrollment that has been decreasing for years — further crunching the school district’s tight budget.
Who is Mary Outley?
Outley has been linked to APS for most of her life. First as a student, and later as a teacher and administrator.
She graduated from Buchtel High School. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Akron, Outley returned to teach kindergarten in APS schools.
She was a building principal for years before being promoted to the executive director of elementary education, a role she held until April.
Intangibles: Rebuilding relationships on all levels
Perhaps one intangible on Outley’s list as Akron’s new public education leader: improving morale on all levels, including the school district’s relationship with its school board members.
One board member — Rene Molenaur — voted no Monday night, citing the abrupt process the board took to hire Outley. On April 28, seconds after the school board approved Michael Robinson’s departure, board member Diane Autry motioned for Outley to be named superintendent. The vote passed, 4-3.
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Superintendent searches often involve search firms, and the months-long process is open to qualified applicants across the nation.
“I believe that proceeding this way disregards due process and exposes our district to significant legal and financial risks,” Molenaur said before voting no.
“Risks that ultimately divert resources away from our students.”
Four current board members interviewed Outley when she served as interim superintendent the first time in 2023, and applied for the full-time job. At the time, she was one of four finalists for the position.
During Monday’s discussion, board member Barbara Sykes also took issue with the hiring process, but cautioned everyone, “Let’s not tear down our foundation, because it’s so much more important than any of us.”
Sykes voted for Outley’s contract and passed along well wishes.
“Madame superintendent, I do welcome you, and I am so honored to be working with you,” Sykes said. “And I appreciate your professionalism and your grace.”
