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Chief seeks input from distress panel
Youngstown
The city school board’s president is requesting the advice of the academic-distress commission on choosing the district’s next treasurer.
The board has narrowed to four the finalists to replace retiring Treasurer William Johnson.
In a letter to the commission, board President Lock P. Beachum Sr. asked for its recommendations before the board’s next meeting next Wednesday.
“We are very willing and thankful to work with you in obtaining the best candidate and seeking any suggestions you may have regarding this position,” Beachum wrote.
“I am asking for your input in this very critical decision for the district.”
After Tuesday’s board meeting, Beachum said although the commission input is not required, he asked for it as a sign of solidarity.
The board, Beachum said, did the same thing when looking for a superintendent last year.
“We have to show them we are cooperating,” said Beachum. “We aren’t going off as a separate entity. When we work together, it’s best for the community.”
He said commission member Paul Williams, a retired superintendent, was present during applicant interviews.
The applications for the job were attached to the letter. Beachum asked that commission members rank the best candidate.
Beachum has said he expects the board will select Johnson’s replacement this month or early next month.
Johnson has been district treasurer since late 2007.
The board also accepted the resignation of Erik Thorson, a current administrator and the former Chaney High School principal who was placed on two months paid administrative leave last year.
Thorson, who formerly worked in Cleveland schools, worked less than one year as Chaney principal.
In March 2011, the board renewed Thorson’s contract at $85,003. Two months later, he was placed on paid administrative leave.
The district didn’t publicly specify the reasons for the leave.
Later, the district named Thorson the coordinator of buildings and grounds.
Karen Green, the assistant superintendent of human resources, said Thorson’s resignation had nothing to do with last year’s events.