Monday, May 30, 2011
Parents and students have largest stake in school revitalization plan
As a concerned taxpay- er from the West Side of Youngstown, I am concerned about the Youngstown City School Districts Revitalization Plan.
I question the superintendent and the Board of Education’s decision to house 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at Chaney High School with senior high school students. I fear for their safety based on the discipline problems that have occurred in the past. There was a time when there were concerns that we should not mix 9th grade students with senior high school students let alone 6th through 8th grades.
I was also dismayed by an answer by Board member June Drennen when the superintendent and board were asked at a recent board meeting at Chaney High School why there was no community input while these decisions were made. Mrs. Drennen’s answer was “educated administrators made the decision and that they should be trusted.”
I have a problem with someone sitting behind a desk at 20 West Wood Street making all of the decisions without the pulse of the parents, students, and community. Most of these individuals making the decisions do not even live in the city of Youngstown.
Perhaps when the superintendent and the board do want input from the community to pass a school levy, we will have to take a hard look at whether we should support it or not.
Dr. Hathorn stated at a recent public meeting at Wilson Middle School that he has one chance to right the ship. He further stated that he will take full responsibility for all the changes, and if he is not successful he would quit his job and leave town.
In closing I say, I hope Dr. Hathorn is successful because if his plan fails and he quits his job and leaves town, he will leave the children and the taxpayers with more broken promises and a broken school system.
George M. Phillips, Youngstown