Youngstown school board has to assess priorities

Youngstown school board has to assess priorities
EDITOR:
While I am not accustomed to defending The Vindicator's reporting skills, the letter that appeared June 6 from Youngstown Board of Education member Jacqueline Taylor, I believe, says more about what is wrong with the current operation of the Youngstown school system than the author intended.
It is my belief that Ms. Taylor's failure to see the forest for the trees is clearly demonstrated in her lack of concern for the tragedy that was being reported, and the wake up call that all of those involved with the care and upbringing of Youngstown's children should be hearing.
To compare the loss of two young lives to some supposed insult to the reputation of The Rayen School, tells me that at least one member of that board has no idea what is happening to Youngstown and those that remain, especially the children.
After having read Ms. Taylor's letter, I would hope that she took time to read the editorial and the letter from Sheryl Eckert, a Youngstown resident that appeared the same day. The system of educating children has come apart in Youngstown and the taxpayers know it and will not support any levy until that changes.
Ms. Taylor and her colleagues need to follow the advice that appeared in the editorial that day and meet immediately with Mayor Jay Williams, Bruce Zoldan and anyone else who is willing to face these problems head on, as opposed to sticking their heads in the sand.
Further, Mayor Williams should review his authority to abolish the current board of education and appoint his own to deal with he gravity of the situation. A bold approach is required if real change is to be achieved. This I would urge before we lose any more young lives.
DON L. HANNI III
Coitsville
The writer is a former member of the Youngstown Board of Education.
Cleveland Elementary was a bright spot in Youngstown
EDITOR:
With so much conversation going on about what is wrong with the Youngstown city schools I thought that I would enlighten the public about a bright spot within our community. I have been a substitute teacher within Mahoning and Trumbull counties since 1998. It was indeed a privilege as well as a pleasure when I was asked to serve in this capacity at Cleveland Elementary School, the bright spot I am referring to. One of the first things that attracted my attention as I entered the hallways of this particular school was how well maintained the building was. The floors actually sparkled.
I was assigned to Mrs. Prassimo's kindergarten classroom where Mrs. Mitchell is her assistant. As a professional storyteller, pastor, and avid reader I was impressed with the reading skills of this class. There was not one student who could not read and read fluently, as well. It is my understanding that many were reading on a 2nd grade level and beyond. They were able to identify and define quotation marks, exclamation points, and periods. They were all capable of writing sentences independently and were a very well mannered and well behaved class. Kudos to Mrs. P (the name the children refer to her as) and Mrs. Mitchell.
That afternoon it was my job to cover Mrs. Stacy Harris' class. These enthusiastic and energetic 1st graders were busy writing or reading about Ananse the Spider, one of my all time favorite stories. Hanging outside were original stories highlighting the literary talents of this class. The majority of this class was also reading on grade level and some of them were as high as the 4th grade reading level.
I also talked to a grandparent and a foster parent grandparent. Both had been involved at the school for a number of years. The statement made by one of them probably says it best, "We are one big family at Cleveland school."
As a graduate of Cleveland Elementary School I will be sad when this beacon of light is dimmed by the closing of its doors this year. Staff, students and family of Cleveland Elementary School: congratulations on a job well done. May your lights continue to shine wherever you may find yourself in the Youngstown public school system.
MONICA BEASLEY-MARTIN
Youngstown