STRUTHERS Center leases former school

Residents can voice their concerns or questions at a public meeting.
By JOHN SKENDALL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Schools Superintendent Sandra DiBacco said the school district's plan to lease Manor Avenue School to the Mahoning County Educational Service Center would lower district costs while letting it retain use of the school's gymnasium.
The school board will have a public meeting July 31 to field residents' questions and concerns about the proposal.
The proposal is a change from the former plan to use the school for board offices.
The board now plans to lease the building to the county educational services center as an alternative school for pupils with "at risk" attendance, too few credits, or who are in danger of expulsion.
The educational service center oversees two such alternative schools, one in Boardman and one in Youngstown. If the proposal passes, Adams School on Cooper Street in Youngstown will close. The operation would then move to Manor Avenue, putting it closer to the local districts it serves, said William Hyde, educational service center superintendent.
The Struthers board offices would remain at 99 Euclid Ave.
Contract details
DiBacco said the service center would pay rent and would be responsible for building maintenance and utilities.
The rent, yet to be finalized, would be between $10,000 and $25,000 per year, said MCESC treasurer Cindy Lengyel.
The contract would allow for night use of Manor's gymnasium, which is still in good condition, Hyde said.
Board members and representatives from MCESC will be present for questions at the 6 p.m. July 31, public meeting at the board office on Euclid Avenue.
DiBacco said she sees no problem having an alternative school at the Manor Avenue building.
They "run a tip-top program," she said, pointing out that educational service center schools keep a 10-1 pupil-teacher ratio and small class sizes.
DiBacco said there are 10 Struthers pupils enrolled in alternative school.
jskendall@vindy.com