Akron School Board Places Superintendent Robinson on Paid Administrative Leave

Following a tense Akron Public Schools board meeting on April 14, 2025, the board held a special session on April 15 where they voted to place Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave. This action came after reviewing the results of a four-month investigation into allegations of misconduct.

Board President Carla Jackson announced that the investigation found “multiple credible accounts of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation by Dr. Robinson against APS employees, including administrators.” The investigation, conducted by Cleveland-based law firm Brennan Manna Diamond, involved interviews with 16 current and former district employees.

“Superintendent Robinson’s negative conduct is in clear violation of the APS code of conduct and is simply not acceptable conduct by a school official,” Jackson stated during the announcement.

Mary Outley, the executive director of elementary schools at APS, has been appointed interim superintendent while Robinson is on leave. The board has indicated they expect to make a final decision regarding Robinson’s employment status at their next scheduled meeting on April 28.

The investigation began in December 2024 after multiple allegations surfaced regarding Robinson’s conduct, including claims of union busting, violating public records laws through the use of disappearing emails, and creating a hostile work environment.

During Monday’s board meeting, member Reverend Gregory Harrison had initially proposed placing Robinson on administrative leave but withdrew the motion after learning the investigative report would soon be available.

The board voted four to one, with two abstentions, to place Robinson on leave. Board Member Diana Autry voted against the action, expressing concerns about relying on “anonymous complaints.”

Robinson was hired as superintendent in 2023 with a five-year contract at an annual salary of $240,000. The Akron Education Association, which represents the district’s teachers, had previously filed multiple unfair labor practice complaints against the administration during Robinson’s tenure.

The board stated they have “developed a plan to take swift action” regarding Robinson’s status, with a final decision expected later this month.