Youngstown Schools pay tribute as McGee retires

McGee may someday return to education.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ben McGee, superintendent of Youngstown Schools, is retiring from his administrative tasks, and friends and family gave him a lot of love to take with him.
About 350 family, friends, pupils and fellow educators filled the lower level of Stambaugh Auditorium on Friday to celebrate McGee's career.
McGee has been in education in Youngstown for 32 years. He has progressed through the school system as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. He has spent the past seven years as superintendent. He steps down at the end of the school year in June.
Marcia Haire-Ellis, president of Youngstown Area Alliance of Black School Educators, said McGee did not want a large ceremony. The YAABSE, however, decided to shine the spotlight on the achievements of McGee's career and the pupils he has touched.
"We are trying to showcase what he has done in the system," said Haire-Ellis. "We are mostly showcasing his students in the district so people can see the great things he has done and just coming out to show our love."
Lots of activities
Many pupils came out in support of their former superintendent. A display of artwork was featured in the Stambaugh lobby. Pupils also recited poetry, performed a gospel mime presentation and sang.
Fellow educators and well-wishers also joined in on the festivities. McGee received gifts and presentations from the school board, the city of Youngstown, YAABSE, Ohio State University Young Scholars and the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators.
McGee received an original piece of artwork by a Sheridan Elementary art teacher depicting McGee with pupils and other aspects of his life.
McGee said it is that same interaction and fellowship displayed at the gathering that he is going to miss the most after retirement. He said intermingling with pupils and teachers on a daily basis has been a highlight of his career.
"When I started in education, I didn't think an opportunity like this would be afforded to me. I have enjoyed it and have been affirmed by it," he said.
Time to reflect
Standing in the auditorium basement, the same building where graduation ceremonies are held, McGee reflected on some of the reasons it will be difficult for him to say farewell to the educational system.
"An emotional thing for me is graduation," he said. "Watching the students march up those steps during the graduation ceremony is a symbolic gesture. Seeing the kids I met four years ago and sometimes even earlier come up those steps represents an educational journey."
Incoming Superintendent Wendy Webb spoke about how those in the school system will miss McGee, and she reflected on his time as superintendent.
Webb's comments -- peppered with personal memories and inside jokes only those closest to McGee would understand -- told her feelings about why she believes McGee is a good person and a good educator.
"Like an artist, when you look at people, you see the sculpture within the stone," she said.
McGee said he intends to finish his doctorate degree, then weigh his options. He said a return to education is not out of the question.
jgoodwin@vindy.com