Public reception tonight for new Youngstown schools superintendent

YOUNGSTOWN — Rhonda Burt has raised money for a playground so that many youngsters on the city’s East Side have more activities, but she’s doing more than giving them another place to play ball and hang out.

Her efforts also reflect the same type of determination many people hope will help turn the Youngstown city schools around.

“I want to see our kids do better,” Burt said after tonight’s public reception for Superintendent Dr. Connie Hathorn. “Kids need something beyond high school to develop a better outlook.”

She said she is committed to helping the superintendent achieve his goals.

Having an improved outlook on their lives makes it more likely students will succeed academically — something many school officials feel is crucial to improving the district.

That, along with a strong emphasis on accountability, was a central theme of the presentation Hathorn gave during the 90-minute gathering at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, 2725 Gibson St., on Youngstown’s South Side.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com