Mary B. Outley
Interim Superintendent, Akron Public Schools
February 2023
Mary B. Outley was appointed Interim Superintendent by the Akron Public School (APS) Board on February 13, 2023.
Prior to her interim role as Superintendent, Ms. Outley was responsible for overseeing the district’s 8,000+ elementary students across 27 schools and their building administrators as APS Executive Director of Elementary Education. Her core responsibility was to ensure that the district’s “Vision of Excellence through Equity” was apparent in all aspects of the Department of Elementary Education's work and to use it to advance teaching and learning in the district. She believes in the power, potential and collective efforts of everyone supporting APS scholars to dream, persist and thrive.
Ms. Outley is a native of Akron. She is a proud Akron Public Schools graduate of John R. Buchtel High School. Ms. Outley is an alumnus of The University of Akron, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education. She also holds a professional license as a teacher, principal and superintendent.
During Ms. Outley’s 32-year tenure, she has also served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Upon graduation from The University of Akron, Ms. Outley was hired to teach at Erie Island Elementary School. She later joined the staff at Simon Perkins Middle School. She began her building administrator journey as an assistant principal at Hyre Middle School, where she also attended as a student. Her next appointment was as principal at Barber Elementary School. In 2002, Project GRAD USA began its program implementation in the district, and she was appointed to principal at Crouse Elementary School. Ms. Outley was excited to have the opportunity to serve as principal of the school she attended as an elementary student and to support the implementation of Project GRAD Akron program strategies aimed at creating an environment conducive to teaching and learning and enhancing student achievement.
Ms. Outley began her role as the Executive Director of Elementary Education in 2004. In this role, she was also responsible for collaborating with school and community partners to extend College and Career Academies to the elementary level.
Ms. Outley is committed to being a lifelong learner. She is an alumnus of Leadership Akron Signature Program Class 37, “Virtually the best class ever.” She remains active with the Alumni Association, designing and helping to host the annual "Education Day" for the Signature and NEXT class programs.
Ms. Outley demonstrates the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” as she is a member of a variety of community organizations that she holds near and dear to her heart. Ms. Outley freely gives of her time, talent and treasure to support community organizations including the Akron Branch NAACP, Akron National Pan-Hellenic Council, League of Women Voters of the Akron Area and Project GRAD Akron. Ms. Outley also finds joy in giving back to her college alma mater by serving on The University of Akron’s Roo Crew, which provides programming and support to its students. Ms. Outley is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and is honored to serve as President of the Akron Alumnae Chapter.
Her advocacy for children has won her recognition including Erie Island Teacher of the Year, Akron Council of PTA’s Helping Hand Award, Mothers on a Mission Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Majors Award and Project GRAD Akron’s Champion of GRAD Honoree.
Ms. Outley’s entire career has been built on developing, leading and supporting people at each level of education. She regards education for others as well as at home seriously, as her most prized title and duty are that of Auntie to her nephews and niece.