Youngstown Early College requires time to reorganize

In the week following the surprise decision by Youngstown State University’s board of trustees to end YSU’s relationship with the Youngstown Early College on June 30, some powerful people have stepped forward to say that the college will not cease to exist.

That’s good news, not only for the high school students from Youngstown who have academic potential, but for YSU, which is the beneficiary of the program — financially and enrollment-wise.

The decision by the trustees to end the relationship that began in the fall of 2004 should not be characterized as anything more than a reflection of the economic challenges confronting all Ohio’s public universities and colleges. The reduction in state funding for higher education has forced a reassessment of priorities.

Trustees’ first responsibility is to YSU’s students, which is why a continued commitment of $300,000 a year for the Youngstown Early College was determined to be untenable. It is unfair to describe the action taken by the trustees as irresponsible and reckless, as one critic has done.

It is significant that Scott Schulick, chairman of the board, and Anthony Catale, president of the Youngstown Board of Education, have announced the creation of a joint committee to oversee the transition of the YEC.

At the same time, Gov. Ted Strickland and Congressman Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, have expressed their support for the continuation of the college and have strongly recommended that YSU remain involved until Eastern Gateway Community College is able to take over.

Eastern Gateway President Dr. Laura Meeks has been firm in her commitment to enter into a relationship with the Youngstown schools system so YEC’s future is secure. However, Meeks has asked Youngstown State’s trustees to permit the high school students to continue attending classes on campus for a year.

That is not an unreasonable request, but there is still the issue of money. Even though it costs about $600,000 a year in college tuition for 200 or so students, neither YSU nor the school system paid anything until this year. That’s because the state picked up the tab.

Now, however, the school district is paying 51 percent, while the university is covering the rest. But that ends on June 30.

Operating funds

Thus the question: Even if YSU agrees to continue providing classroom space, where will the money come from to operate YEC?

While the state isn’t in any condition financially to fund the program, Gov. Strickland and Congressman Ryan could certainly join forces in urging the administration of President Barack Obama to dip into the fund set aside in the stimulus package for education.

The president has stressed that urban schools need to focus on the academic performance of their students. What better way to meet that goal than through the Youngstown Early College?

It is noteworthy that YEC is the only school in the Youngstown district that boasts an excellent rating from the state.

There is reason to be optimistic about its future, given the powerful voices that have been heard since the trustees made their decision.