Overwhelming interest in Mohip's citizens coalition

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Because of the overwhelming interest, city school district CEO Krish Mohip’s citizens coalition will include four groups of 12 or 13 members, rather than just one group.

Mohip announced in late July that he wanted a citizens group to provide input as he moves forward in improving the schools. Applications were posted on the district’s website with the CEO expecting to select 10 to 15 people from the applicants.

Fifty-one people applied.

“I expected interest, but I didn’t expect such a huge response,” Mohip said in a statement. “This shows how many people are vested in our children’s success and want to see our schools improve.”

Terms are for one year and the positions are unpaid. Meetings will occur monthly with the first one to be scheduled within the next couple of weeks.

Members include parents, teachers, retired administrators, representatives from the religious community, alumni and former school board members.

The coalition won’t replace the community meetings that Mohip has convened since his arrival at the school district. It’s just another way for him to hear from the community.

“I’m looking forward to working with all of these individuals and hearing their ideas and opinions as we all strive to make the Youngstown City Schools the learning environment our children need and deserve,” Mohip said.