Struthers official resigns; takes COO spot for Youngstown city schools

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Struthers Superintendent Joseph Nohra, who has served in that role since Dec. 1, 2012, has accepted the chief operations officer position at the Youngstown City School District.

The Struthers school board accepted his resignation at a special meeting Wednesday evening.

Nohra will leave Struthers effective Jan. 22.

“Joe brings his comprehensive experience as a long-time Valley educator and administrator to the city schools,” said Krish Mohip, chief executive officer of Youngstown schools. “We need someone with an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of a vital school system coupled with a vast understanding of instruction. Joe more than fits the bill.”

His annual salary will be $115,000, a district spokesman said.

For Nohra, his new post represents something of a return to his professional roots.

“It is an amazing honor to return to the Youngstown City Schools where I began my career as a special education teacher at Hillman Junior High School,” he said. “I appreciate the wonderful opportunity to work with Mr. Mohip and many talented staff members at Youngstown City Schools. I look forward to working with the children and families in Youngstown and I firmly believe in giving a 100 percent effort towards the success of Youngstown City Schools.”

Harry Evans, who retired from the district in late 2016, formerly served as the city schools’ chief operations officer.

Nohra will be charged with overseeing the city schools’ facilities and maintenance functions.

“I would like to thank the board, past and current, for the opportunity to serve Struthers City Schools. I thank our dedicated staff and wonderful teachers. They work so hard every day, and it was not an easy decision to leave such a passionate staff and great community. I am grateful for all we have accomplished together and know you will continue to do great things for Struthers,” Nohra said.

Nohra cited major curriculum and technology enhancements, fiscal solvency, labor harmony, and a very smooth 1-1 student/digital device integration program as major achievements for the Struthers board and school district since 2012.

Struthers school board President Ron Shives said the board is sorry to see Nohra leave, but they wish him well in his next venture. “We thank Joe for his service, and know Struthers is a much better district because of it,” he said.

The board appointed middle school principal/assistant superintendent Pete Pirone as interim superintendent. Pirone is a Struthers native and has taught or been an administrator in the district for 17 years. He will take over all superintendent duties through the end of the school year.

“I am looking forward to furthering our efforts as a staff and providing stability through this transition,” Pirone said.

Created by Ohio House Bill 70, known as the Youngstown Plan, a five-member academic commission last year appointed Mohip as the district’s CEO. Mohip, a former teacher, principal and administrator in the Chicago public schools, started work here June 29.

He already had named a chief academic officer. Tyrone Olverson is filling that role, and his annual salary is $134,000. Olverson is a former superintendent of Finneytown Schools near Cincinnati, and was a finalist in May for the CEO post.