Michael Robinson is out as superintendent of Akron Public Schools — and Mary Outley is the district’s new education leader, pending successful contract negotiations — after an unexpected and unprecedented ending to Monday night’s board meeting.
The Akron Board of Education voted 4-3 to not wait and conduct the typical, months-long hiring process, which often includes public input. The board did not consult with attorneys and did not give itself time to consider other options to fill the position, including potential internal candidates.
Instead, it vaulted Outley into the role. The school district needed stability, said board member Diana Autry, who refused to withdraw her motion to vote despite fellow board members requesting executive session or time to mull the decision…