Judge affirms Kimble must appoint a teacher, by Friday

YOUNGSTOWN

City school board President Brenda Kimble must appoint a teacher to the academic distress commission by Friday, a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge ordered.

Judge Lou A. D’Apolito issued his ruling Wednesday, affirming an earlier decision by Daniel Dascenzo, Mahoning County Common Pleas Court magistrate.

Paula Valentini, a Youngstown Education Association spokeswoman, is pleased with the judge’s decision.

“The voice of educators in Youngstown needs to be heard,” she said.

Having a current, full-time teacher serving on the academic commission will ensure teachers’ input is part of the process, Valentini said.

Teachers are the people who best know the needs of the district’s children, she said.

“We’re hoping our board of education respects the judge’s decision and accepts the judge’s decision,” Valentini said.

Kimble, however, could appeal Judge D’Apolito’s decision to the 7th District Court of Appeals. Notice of the appeal could be filed by Friday’s deadline.

Neither Kimble nor Atty. Ted Roberts, who represents her in the lawsuit, could be reached, but the district scheduled a special meeting for 5 p.m. Friday, citing pending litigation, as a reason.

Read more about the situation in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.