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Akron board reaffirms Mary Outley as superintendent pending contract after 4-3 vote
Summary
At a May 5 special meeting, the Akron Board of Education voted 4-3 to reaffirm Mary Outley as superintendent pending negotiation and approval of an employment contract after an executive session held under Ohio Revised Code §121.22(G)(1). Board members debated whether the board should follow its policy for superintendent searches.
The Akron Board of Education on May 5 voted 4-3 to reaffirm Mary Outley as superintendent of Akron Public Schools pending negotiation and approval of an employment contract.
The vote followed an executive session held under Ohio Revised Code §121.22(G)(1) to consider the employment of a public employee. Member Autry moved to reaffirm Outley’s appointment; Member Hall seconded the motion. The motion carried with votes in favor from Member Hall, Member Autry, Vice President Alexander and Member Jackson; Reverend Harrison, Mrs. Sykes and Dr. Molnar voted no.
Board members spent most of the public portion of the meeting debating process. Reverend Harrison, who voted no, urged the board to follow the written board policy on hiring superintendents and to allow broader community and staff input. “This is about the process,” Reverend Harrison said. He argued that the board’s policy was created after a past controversy to ensure public confidence and that bypassing it excludes qualified internal candidates.
Dr. Molnar also opposed the motion, saying the board should use a transparent, merit-based process. “So in short, I cannot support this action today because it disregards accountable process,” Dr. Molnar said, listing public trust, reduced risk of favoritism and smoother transition as reasons to follow policy.
Supporters said Outley is qualified and that a full search was not necessary. Vice President Alexander noted, “Mary Outley has served as the interim superintendent of Akron Public Schools. She is qualified. She has performed all the duties of an interim superintendent and of a superintendent.” Member Autry said community feedback from earlier searches supported Outley’s candidacy, adding, “They want us to make decisions that are best for students and children.”
Before the vote, Dr. Thompson read the district’s policy language aloud that the dissenting members cited. The policy reading included provisions on recruitment procedures, interview requirements, contract terms (including a maximum term of five years and a clause allowing termination on at least six months’ written notice), residency expectations and a requirement that the superintendent devote full time to the office.
The board’s motion affirmed Outley’s appointment “pending approval of an employment contract,” and members acknowledged a contract had not yet been finalized. At the close of the meeting a board member asked if a contract existed; staff said Outley was being paid per diem in the interim and that a written employment contract was still under review.
The meeting opened with a roll call, recessed into executive session at 5:33 p.m., and reconvened at 5:51 p.m. The board adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Because the board’s action was to reaffirm the appointment pending contract approval, any contract terms and the effective date will depend on subsequent negotiation and formal approval by the board.
