YOUNGSTOWN — After a nearly three-hour executive session, the Youngstown Board of Education on Friday chose former board member Jerome Williams to replace Barbara Brothers.

The board interviewed four candidates to replace Brothers, who won election but chose not to take her seat this month — citing a difference with the board’s direction. The other three interviewed were Veronica Williams, Dian King and Nia Simms.

Board President Brenda Kimble said the executive session took a long time because the board “wanted to be sure we got the right person.”

“We wanted to choose the best person to move the district forward, who has knowledge of the state takeover and who could hit the ground running,” Kimble said.

Jerome Williams was a member of the board from 2013 to 2017. He did not seek re-election.

He said before the Friday interview that he has served with at least half of the current board during his previous term.

Denise Dick, spokeswoman for the school district, issued the following statement following the meeting:

“CEO (Justin) Jennings and the administration look forward to working with all board members who are interested in collaborating to improve the school district to benefit our scholars.”

Williams said he was pleased to be chosen and is looking forward to working with the board again.

“I hope we can all together to save the kids. It is all about the kids, not politics,” he said.

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