AKRON, Ohio — Mary Outley, the new superintendent for the Akron Public Schools District, addressed thousands of employees, along with many students, during the convocation to kick off the new school year.

The event that featured bands, cheerleaders and energetic teachers took place Monday morning at Rhodes Arena on the campus of the University of Akron.

For Outley, the top APS job in her hometown is a dream come true. She graduated from Buchtel High School, got a job as an Akron teacher, became an assistant principal and a principal before landing an executive director of education position with the district.

She told the crowd to expect "dedication, passion and an unwavering commitment to you, our scholars and our families" through her leadership.

However, the position comes with mult

See Full Page