Youngstown, Warren schools look to future programs to raise academic scores

YOUNGSTOWN — Administrators in two area school districts are looking to the future for a turnaround in the face of stagnant scores on the state’s latest school report card.

Youngstown City Schools and Warren City Schools both remain in the “academic watch” category in the state ranking.

There are six possible designations, based on student performance on achievement tests and other factors such as attendance and graduation rate — excellent with distinction, excellent, effective, continuous improvement, academic watch and academic emergency.

Youngstown schools have now been in academic watch for three consecutive years. Warren, in continuous improvement the year before last, dropped to academic watch last year.

Youngstown School Superintendent Dr. Wendy Webb is looking to introduce to the school board and community a “balanced calendar,” where students will attend classes for nine weeks then have three weeks off throughout the year. Students who need additional help will get that help during the three-week breaks.

Kathryn Hellweg, Warren City Schools superintendent, said the district plans to make strides by using a new program being piloted in only 16 districts across the state.

The Personal Development Grant program, she said, is set up to re-evaluate and redesign curriculums in those districts.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.