Mahoning County High School officials head to White House
YOUNGSTOWN
Mahoning County High School’s policies and positive climate are being recognized as models for similar facilities throughout the country.
Judge Theresa Dellick of Mahoning County Juvenile Court and Jennifer Merritt, superintendent of the high school, will attend a conference this month at the White House.
The invitation came after a visit to the court and school by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. The visit followed the court’s receipt of a three-year, $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs to keep students in school by identifying those at risk for joining gangs.
“Suspension or expulsion is not an option here,” Judge Dellick said.
The high school, established in 2008, is for students who have dropped out of their home schools, are on the verge of dropping out, have been expelled or have had dealings with the court.
“They need to be in school for their education,” the judge said.
Merritt said part of the approach to ensuring those students remain in school and graduate is fostering a positive school climate.
Part of that involves teachers, administrators and staff understanding the population, she said.