Quick decision expected in Kimble's commission appointment appeal

YOUNGSTOWN

The 7th District Court of Appeals judges expect to issue a decision soon regarding an appointment to the city schools academic distress commission and whether its members can begin to meet.

Attorneys for the city school board president, the teachers’ union and the Ohio Attorney General’s office presented arguments Thursday regarding school board President Brenda Kimble’s appointment of Carol Staten, a principal, to the academic distress commission. Staten was a substitute administrator at the time of her appointment to the commission.

The five-member commission, part of the state Youngstown Plan legislation, is to appoint a chief executive officer to operate the school district.

The Youngstown Education Association, the teachers’ union, filed a lawsuit over Kimble’s appointment of Staten, arguing it should be a current classroom teacher.

The law says the school board president’s appointment is to be a teacher.

Atty. Ted Roberts, who represents Kimble, argued that the union lacks standing to bring the suit.

Judges Cheryl Waite, Mary DeGenaro and Carol Ann Robb are hearing the case. Judge Waite said she expects a ruling soon as the appeal is being expedited.

Read more about the case in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.