Biography

Mary McAlister Cleveland, a proud graduate of an Ohio Public school, has dedicated more than two decades to public education, guided by a simple and enduring belief: when we place students at the center and work together as communities, public education has the power to uplift lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and shape Ohio’s future.

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Elected to the Princeton City Schools Board of Education in 2013, Mary has served her community with distinction for over a decade, including three years as Board President. Long before holding elected office, she was a deeply engaged volunteer for more than 20 years—serving as a Girl Scout leader, PTO president, levy committee member, and trustee of the Princeton Education Foundation. Throughout her service, Mary has championed collaboration among families, educators, students, and community partners to ensure every child has access to opportunity and success.

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Mary’s leadership extends beyond her local district to regional and statewide service. She has served on the Board of Directors of Great Oaks Career Campuses, one of the largest career and technical education districts in the nation, representing 36 school districts. In 2022, she made history as the first African American elected Chair of the Board. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to uplifting students by connecting education to meaningful careers, economic mobility, and lifelong learning.

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At the state level, Mary has been an active and respected leader within the Ohio School Boards Association, serving on the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and as President of the Southwest Region Executive Committee, representing more than 177 school districts and educational service centers. As President of OSBA, she is honored to represent school board members across Ohio, focusing on student achievement, mental health, safety, accessibility, and responsible stewardship because strong public schools’ uplift communities across every corner of the state.

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Mary’s leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the OSBA Outstanding Service Award, the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education Outstanding Board Member Award and the distinction of OSBA Master Board Member. She brings a thoughtful, solutions-driven approach informed by her professional experience in law, nonprofit leadership, mediation, and business.

Above all, Mary credits her journey to the strength of her family and community. A proud Princeton parent, she and her husband, Errol, raised four children whose educational pathways spanned gifted education and special needs, experiences that continue to shape her advocacy for equitable opportunities for every student. Today, as she welcomes the next generation of Princeton students in her family, Mary remains grounded in gratitude, service, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting Ohio with public education.