YOUNGSTOWN SCHOOLS Chief tells of pupil initiatives

The district has a new Web site.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- When Ed Cvelbar met "Dr. Tracy" at a hospital in Wheeling, W.Va., he wasn't sure the young man could shave, let alone handle the procedures that would correct his infant son's cleft palate.
Seven years later, Cvelbar said, the doctor has earned his respect and admiration -- and Tyler, no longer a baby, is doing fine.
"What if Dr. Tracy had decided not to complete four years of college, four years of medical school, four years of surgical residency, four years of ... sub-specialty and on and on?" Cvelbar asked. "What if somebody didn't push him ... didn't help him?
"... What if that young Dr. Tracy is walking the halls of the Youngstown city schools today? Don't we owe it to give him or her that opportunity?"
Cvelbar, chairman of the Youngstown City Schools Urban Congress, made the remarks this morning to a gathering of congress members, district administrators and staff, parents and pupils. They were at Choffin Career and Technical center to hear a report on the district's status.
New Web site
Among the meeting's highlights was the unveiling of the district's new Web site. It can be found at www.ycsd.k12.oh.us (replacing www.youngstown.k12.oh.us.) The district also has a separate site dedicated to the school district's $183 million schools construction project at www.youngstownschools.com.
Superintendent Benjamin L. McGee told congress members of continuing leadership-building programs, literacy initiatives and data collection and review. As for the district's financial future, he referred to proposed legislation that could leave the schools with $7 million less over the next two years and other proposals to cut funding for various programs.
Among new progams is the Early College Initiative, funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and KnowledgeWorks. In partnership with Youngstown State University, the program will mean that some Youngstown high school students will graduate with junior-year college status or associate's degrees.
"We have the capability, folks, to do all these things," McGee said.
Officials are working to keep the schools construction project on track, he said. Harding Elementary construction should begin in the end of June with four other projects beginning in the summer and fall.
Other reports
Also at the meeting:
UStudents who make up the district's Student Advisory Board, from all three high schools, told of progress. At Rayen, students have initiated a cultural sensitivity program and participated in an exhange program with the Warren City Schools. At Wilson, students partnered with community agencies in service projects, including a walk to provide books for city children, tutoring younger pupils, and raising funds for Hospice of the Valley and Safetyville. At Chaney students have built relationships with staff and administrators who help them achieve goals.
UAnthony DiRenzo, executive director of school support and improvement, spoke of goals to revise curriculum so it is consistent across all schools, close the achievement gap between minorities and white students and be able to track students who move between buildings. Further, he said many schools are showing improvement on proficiency test scores and attendance rates.