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Akron Board places Superintendent Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave, names Mary Outley interim
Summary
The Akron Board of Education voted April 15 to place Superintendent Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave effective immediately, appoint Mary Outley as interim superintendent and waive attorney-client privilege to release a fact-finding report that found multiple credible accounts of bullying, intimidation and retaliation.
The Akron Board of Education voted April 15 to place Superintendent Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave effective immediately, unanimously appoint Mary Outley as interim superintendent and to waive attorney-client privilege so the board can release a fact-finding report.
The board took the personnel action after a closed executive session held under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(g)(1). Member Sykes moved to place Robinson on paid administrative leave; the motion was seconded by Reverend Harrison and carried, with the board recording four votes in favor, one vote against and two abstentions.
The board’s treasurer summarized the report that prompted the action, saying, “The report indicated that there were multiple credible accounts of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation by Superintendent Robinson against APS employees, including administrators and former APS employees.” The treasurer told the board the findings were based on interviews with 16 current and former Akron Public Schools employees and that the behavior, as described in the report, “is in clear violation of the APS code of conduct.”
Board members voted unanimously, 7-0, to appoint Mary Outley as interim superintendent effective immediately. Member Sykes moved the appointment; Member Autry seconded the motion.
Following the personnel actions, the board voted to waive attorney-client privilege so the fact-finding report could be released. Member Sykes moved the waiver, which the board approved with six votes in favor and one abstention. The motion to waive referenced a report completed by the Bridal, Madden, Diamond group (as named on the record).
The board said it expects a final decision on Superintendent Robinson’s status at its next scheduled meeting on April 28. The treasurer described a plan for “swift action regarding his status” and named Mary Outley as interim while the board completes its process.
Votes at a glance: the executive session motion passed 7-0; the motion to place Superintendent Robinson on paid administrative leave passed 4 yes, 1 no, 2 abstain; the appointment of Mary Outley as interim superintendent passed 7-0; the motion to waive attorney-client privilege and release the fact-finding report passed 6-0 with 1 abstention.
The board held the action during a special meeting that began at 4:00 p.m. and concluded after the votes and motions to adjourn. The board cited Ohio Revised Code 121.22(g)(1) as the statutory basis for going into executive session to consider the discipline or employment of a public employee.
