Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan weighs in on resignation of Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan has weighed in on the resignation of Akron Superintendent of Schools Christine Fowler Mack, whose March 4 departure was announced by the board of education Monday. She remains with the district as a consultant while Mary Outley, the district's executive director for elementary education, will serve as interim superintendent.
"I thank Christine Fowler-Mack for her leadership over the past 19 months as she saw Akron Public Schools out of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigated the district through challenging times," Horrigan said in a post on Twitter. "Serving as the first African-American woman to lead the APS district in 174 years, she has rightfully earned her place in the Akron history books."
He wished Fowler Mack luck in her future endeavors and was somewhat critical of the Akron Board of Education.
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"It's disappointing that once again the district will have to find new leadership at such a critical time for our kids and our community," he wrote. "Past and current board leaders need to better understand their roles around board governance and district stability as they approach their relationship with the next Superintendent if they hope to provide continuity and coherent leadership to Akron's students, teachers and staff.
"As a city, we remain steadfast in our commitment to every student's success," he said.
Fowler Mack is a graduate of East High School who went on to become an administrator in Cleveland Public Schools before being hired by her home district in July 2021.
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After her first year on the job, Fowler Mack faced criticism by board members on her first review last June, with some board members calling her "insubordinate" and labeling her first year on the job a "failure."
The Akron Education Association also criticized the superintendent during contract negotiations in December, as incidents of violence in schools drew headlines.
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No reason was given for Fowler Mack's resignation. The board held no discussion at Monday's meeting and made no comments about the separation during the meeting. Board President Derrick Hall said after the meeting the reason for the separation was "no mystery" and "just what was best for all parties."
Fowler Mack, who did not attend the meeting, also did not specify a reason for her resignation.
"My decision to separate at a time of such pivotal change and opportunity for APS was made with careful thought, prayer and discussions with my family," she said in a statement.
Jennifer Pignolet contributed to this report. Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Mayor Horrigan critical of school board after Fowler Mack quits
