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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Youngstown City School District {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

3 to elect; 4-yr termSchool Board Members are primarily responsible for setting policy, overseeing District operations, and ensuring the educational well-being of students. The Board hires and evaluates the superintendent and treasurer, establishes the vision and goals for the district, and manages the budget. Boards ensure the district has adequate funds and safe, appropriate facilities. Boards are involved in planning and implementing strategies for continuous improvement of the school system. Board members are liaisons between the school district and the community.

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  • Candidate picture

    Ted Brown
    (WI)

  • Candidate picture

    Tina Cvetkovich
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Teon Davis
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Kenneth Donaldson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Joseph S. Meranto
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Million Perry Phifer
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What are your top two priorities for this office?

If elected, how will you address these priorities?

Campaign Mailing Address 143 Carroll St.
Youngstown, OH 44502
Campaign Facebook URL http://facebook.com/share/19bC98zJHP
Occupation Retired Firefighter (City of Youngstown) Currently serving as the Assistant to the Pastor @ NBBC
Education Some College
Boosting Student Achievement; (academics, literacy, college/career readiness). Strengthening Family and Community Engagement ( transparency, inclusion, partnerships). Ensuring Safe, Equitable, and Supportive Schools ( mental health, equity, safety, career pathways).

Priority 1: Academic Excellence & Student Achievement

Goal: Raise student performance and prepare graduates for college, career, and life.

Action Steps:

Expand literacy and math interventions in all grades

Provide tutoring, mentoring, and after-school enrichment

Strengthen teacher training and retention

Success Metrics:

+10% increase in state proficiency scores within 3 years

85% on-time graduation rate

+20% participation in dual-enrollment and AP courses

Priority 2: Family & Community Engagement

Goal: Build trust and strengthen partnerships with parents, families, and the community

Action Steps:

Launch a Parent Academy and create a Parent Advisory Council

Host monthly community forums and improve communication tools

Partner with local churches, universities, and businesses for mentorship, internships, and scholarships

Success Metrics:

+30% parent participation at school events

5 new community partnerships annually

80%+ parent satisfaction on engagement surveys.

Priority 3: Safe, Supportive, and Equitable Schools

Goal: Ensure schools are safe, nurturing, and equitable for all students

Action Steps:

Expand anti-bullying programs and restorative justice practices

Increase access to counselors, social workers, and mental health resources

Grow career pathway programs: college prep, STEM, and skilled trades

Success Metrics:

-15% chronic absenteeism in 2 years

-20% incidents of bullying/violence

+25% student participation in career pathways
Campaign Mailing Address 29 S. Maryland Ave.
Youngstown, OH 44509
Occupation Mahoning County Children Services FPM
Education Bachelors in Social Work
1.Ensuring fiscal responsibility. 2. Building consolidation through
1. Every decision the board makes must be fiscally sound. Taxpayers and families deserve accountability and transparency. By managing our resources responsibly, we can ensure stability in our schools, protect programs that serve students, and make investments that will strengthen education for years to come.

2. With enrollment changes in financial realities, building consolidation is a necessary step for the future of Youngstown City schools. My priority is to see the process through carefully and thoughtfully, making sure it is done in a way that best serves students, families, and staff, while also positioning our district for long-term success.
Campaign Mailing Address 1161 Wilshire Dr.
Youngstown , Ohio 44511
Occupation College student
Education High school diploma
✅ 1. Improving Student Achievement and Opportunities My first priority is to ensure every student in Youngstown City Schools has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and life. This means focusing on literacy, math growth, graduation rates, and expanding opportunities like career-tech programs, dual credit/college readiness, and after-school enrichment.

✅ 2. Strengthening School Culture and Community Trust My second priority is building safe, supportive schools where students, families, and staff feel respected and valued. That includes addressing school safety, improving communication with parents, and fostering stronger partnerships with community organizations. By building trust and collaboration, we can make our schools the pride of Youngstown.
✅ Improving Student Achievement and Opportunities

Support evidence-based strategies to strengthen literacy and math from the earliest grades.

Advocate for expanding career tech, dual enrollment, and college readiness programs so students graduate with real options.

Push for resources and professional development that help teachers do their best work in the classroom.

✅ Strengthening School Culture and Community Trust

Partner with parents and community organizations to create more wraparound supports for students, including mental health services and after-school programs.

Promote transparent communication between the Board, families, and the community so everyone has a voice in decisions.

Ensure our schools are safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where students can learn and thrive.
Campaign Mailing Address 1052 Genesee Dr.
Youngstown, OH 44511
Occupation Pastor
Education M.Ed; Th.M
My top two priorities would be support and accountability. In order for our front line workers to be effective, they need support. They need the resources available to help them be successful. Along with the support is accountability. Every successful organization values accountability. Accountability creates a culture where an established standard can be reached. We believe we have competent leaders who can do their jobs well when they have the resources and support. A culture that facilitates excellence is one where everyone sees their part as important. Developing this kind of culture requires accountability. We are on a wonderful trajectory. My desire is to help this district continue to thrive.
To know what resources are needed on the front line requires constant communication with the front line workers. I will continue to visit every school and continue to facilitate a relationship with our leaders so that we can work hard to give them what they need to succeed. Visiting the schools also lets the teachers and staff know that we are collectively connected and we need each other to succeed. Our leaders are more than competent and we must allow them to do their jobs. We will continue to defy all of the odds and we will do it together.
Campaign Mailing Address 611 Tod Lane
Youngstown , Ohio 44504
Occupation Retired-former Superintendent Youngstown City Schools
Education B.S.In Education, M.S.In Education, All coursework completed toward Doctorate in Education but did not finish Dissertation.
1. To support our District Leadership and Staff by making sure they have the necessary resources to service our students and families. This also means making sure that we are making the best use of our resources and assuring the taxpayers that their funds are used properly. 2. To advocate for our students and families in the community so that they receive the supports they need to be successful in the present and future. This not only includes academic supports, but also physical,mental, and emotional supports.
I will continue to monitor closely the actions of the Superintendent and Treasurer and promote policies that will make these priorities happen. As the elected laison between the District and the taxpayers, I will keep a watchful eye on finances and other key issues providing input as needed.I will also rely on my over 50 years as a practicing educator to advocate for the students, families, and taxpayers in our District to assure continued improvement and progress.
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