Jennings signs contract as new Youngstown schools CEO

YOUNGSTOWN — Justin Jennings signed his contract this week to begin serving as the Youngstown City School District’s chief executive officer, effective Aug. 1.

“I’m happy to have the contract worked out and I’m looking forward to starting to work for the scholars of Youngstown,” Jennings said.

The Youngstown City School District Academic Distress Commission selected Jennings, superintendent of the Muskegon Public Schools in Muskegon, Mich., for two and a half years, after a national search.

The contract of Krish Mohip, the district's first CEO, expires July 31. He didn’t seek a new contract.

Jennings' contract, which was also signed this week by John Richard, chairman of the YADC, and Paolo DeMaria, the state superintendent of public instruction, runs for three years, through July 31, 2022. Jennings’ annual salary will be $190,000.

There is an option to reopen salary negotiations for the third year of the contract with the possibility of extending it on or after Jan. 1, 2021.

The contract also includes performance bonus compensation of up to $10,000 per academic year based on district progress.

Jennings earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., and three master’s degrees in educational leadership, special education administration and special education with an emphasis in emotional impairments from Grand Valley State University.

He also received an educational specialist degree in leadership from Grand Valley State in December 2013. He is completing his dissertation for a doctorate in educational leadership.