New chairman: Turnaround of Youngstown schools requires community commitment

YOUNGSTOWN

The state superintendent named a city businessman to lead the Youngstown City Schools Academic Distress Commission.

Richard Ross appointed Brian Benyo, president of Brilex Industries, as commission chairman Friday.

Benyo, of Berlin Center, also is a member of the Western Reserve School Board and founding member of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

“I am honored to serve as the commission’s chairperson,” Benyo said in a news release. “I think I speak for the entire commission when I say we are eager to get on with the work required to help turn around Youngstown City Schools. It’s going to require a commitment by everyone in our community to work together to create and carry out a strong plan. Our children, their future and our city’s future [are] at stake.”

The new commission’s first meeting will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the city school administration building, 20 W. Wood St.