Youngstown Community Mobilization Coalition

Robert K. Yosay | Posted July 2nd 2015

Community, religious and labor leaders came together to voice opposition to the Youngstown Plan, legislation passed last week that would give control of the city schools to a chief executive officer appointed by a five-member commission. The Rev. Kenneth L. Simon of New Bethel Baptist Church, chairman of the Youngstown Community Mobilization Coalition, said those attending a Thursday news conference in front of the city schools board of education building want those who designed the legislation to know their dissatisfaction. “This is not in the best interest of our children or the taxpaying people of our community,” the Rev. Mr. Simon said. People oppose that the plan was developed behind closed doors, he said, and that it will take away local control. The plan was an amendment to another bill and was quickly introduced at an Ohio Senate Education Subcommittee meeting. Opponents weren’t give the opportunity to voice their protests. It was passed by the committee, full senate and the house.