YOUNGSTOWN Hillman school is safe, Webb asserts

A more structured classroom setting will be created.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Schools Superintendent Wendy Webb reassured about 50 people at a board of education meeting Tuesday night that Hillman Middle School is safe.
After several fights there, immediate action was taken to make sure the situation was under control, she said.
The situation, she stressed, was never out of control. But the school is chaotic and there were too many fights, and the correct processes were not followed -- by pupils or teachers, she explained.
Teachers had admitted they focused so highly on academic success that they became more negligent about other issues. Also, there are things that happened that "affected the school," Webb said -- citing deaths of five staff members. Also, one administrator had an immobilizing surgery and the principal had been out sick because of heart complications, she said.
The administrative staff now will keep better records, standardize policies and give more information to pupils and parents, she said.
Monitoring the halls
Administrative personnel now walk the hallways and security staff carry radios.
"Our security in this district is best. There are times that your children are secure, and they don't even know it," Webb said.
A more structured classroom setting will be created, and will be consistent throughout the school. The goal is for pupils to become self-governing, self-accountable and responsible citizens, she explained.
John Allen, the school district's community partnership manager, will hold community meetings with parents to create an understanding throughout the school system.
More will be done for pupils to understand their position in the situation, too, she said.
"Hillman is going to be OK," she said. "We do a lot of good things in the district. I will continue to take that stand and continue to do everything in my power to provide a safe environment for our students."