Mary B. Outley
Mary B. Outley brings a transformative vision and unwavering commitment to educational excellence as the Superintendent of Akron Public Schools, a position she assumed on April 28, 2025, following her service as interim superintendent. In this role, Ms. Outley leads one of Ohio’s largest urban school districts, serving approximately 19,400 students and directing over 3,500 dedicated employees across 42 schools and community learning centers. Her stewardship extends to overseeing an annual operating budget exceeding $500 million.
Ms. Outley's deep connection to Akron Public Schools spans 35 years of dedicated service, during which she has served as both an innovative educator and visionary administrator. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of School Leadership, where she provided comprehensive supervision and guidance to K-12 schools in the district.
At the heart of Ms. Outley's educational philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to fostering unity within the district while strengthening academic outcomes for every student. Her student-centered approach ensures that students remain at the core of all educational decisions and initiatives.
A proud Akron native and alumna of John R. Buchtel High School, Ms. Outley's educational journey reflects her deep roots in the community she serves. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Education from the University of Akron's College of Education, where she also obtained her principal and superintendent licensures. Her commitment to continuous learning and leadership development is further evidenced by her graduation from the Leadership Akron Signature Program, Class 37.
Guided by Mahatma Gandhi's profound principle that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," Ms. Outley is committed to civic engagement. Her community service portfolio includes board service with the Akron NAACP, Junior Achievement, Minerva Fund of Akron, Project GRAD Akron, and the Summit County Family and Children First Council.
Despite her professional accomplishments and responsibilities, Ms. Outley finds her most treasured role in serving as a devoted aunt to her beloved nephews and niece.
