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Contract extension expected for interim superintendent
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
The city schools interim superintendent expects to remain on the job for at least six more months.
Stephen Stohla started July 1 in the interim role. His original contract was for six months, meaning it expires at year’s end.
“They talked to me – both the board and the state – about extending my contract for another six months,” Stohla said.
He said he’s willing to stay for that time.
“I don’t think we’re finished yet,” Stohla said. “We need to make sure whoever comes in here has some inside knowledge of what’s going on.”
During the six months of his tenure, he’s discovered that some programs implemented by the district have been successful and others haven’t. He wants to relay that information to the district chief executive officer when that person is hired. He declined to divulge what programs he believes aren’t working.
“It’s difficult here because there’s been so much constant change,” Stohla said. “There are so many things that need to be fixed. I’m trying to figure out how to do that without having any more drastic changes.”
The school board hasn’t voted on an extension. His pay for the first six months was $60,000 and an extension likely would be for that same amount.
Michael Murphy, school board vice president, expects action this month.
“I think we need someone there, and there’s no time to look for another one and he’s doing a good job,” he said. “He’s been in the buildings, keeping us informed. He’s been good.”
Jackie Adair, board member, believe the board should complete a formal evaluation of Stohla’s performance before any decision is made regarding a contract.
Without an evaluation, “I’m not in a position to say yay or no,” she said. “Personally, dealing with him, he’s OK, but we’ve not done a formal evaluation process with him. I’m reluctant to vote either way – to say yes or no.”
The Youngstown Plan, state legislation approved earlier this year, replaces the academic distress commission in place in the city schools since 2010, with a new commission.
The new commission will appoint a state-paid CEO to manage and operate the school district.
That new panel is comprised of Chairman Brian Benyo, president of Brilex Industries; Laura Meeks, retired president of Eastern Gateway Community College; and Jennifer Roller, president of the Raymond John Wean Foundation, all appointed by State Superintendent Richard Ross; Barbara Brothers, a retired Youngstown State University dean, appointed by Mayor John A. McNally; and a teacher, appointed by Brenda Kimble, school board president.
The teachers’ union objected to Kimble appointing Carol Staten, a retired principal who works in the district as a substitute administrator, because Staten isn’t an active classroom teacher. A judge granted the union’s motion for a temporary restraining order to stop Staten’s appointment and a hearing is set for Monday.
Stohla said he doesn’t know if he’s interested in staying in the district beyond six more months.
“We’ll see,” he said. “At my age, everything is ‘we’ll see.’ My wife is not happy” that he’s staying for six more months.