YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Board of Education will be interviewing four people to determine a replacement for Barbara Brothers, who won election but chose not to take her seat this month — citing a difference with the board’s direction.

Candidates to replace Brothers are Jerome Williams, Veronica Williams, Dian King and Nia Simms.

Jerome Williams, who was a member of the school board from 2013 through 2017, said he is running because he believes the job of improving the school district is not done.

“I am fighting for the kids,” he said. “There are people who say they are fighting for the kids, but they’re not. We need to focus on what is in the best interests for the children.”

Jerome Williams said the state essentially has been in control of the district for the last 10 years. Youngstown schools have a CEO in place who answers to an academic distress commission.

“It (the state) has been driving the bus,” he said.

The former school board member said he has served with at least half of the current board during his previous terms.

Veronica Williams worked as an educator for 25 years in Pittsburgh. She was an English teacher in the Pittsburgh City School District, a college career counselor in various programs, as well as an English teacher in the Imani Christian Academy. She moved to Youngstown to take care of family members.

“I think there should be someone on the board (who) has this community at heart,” she said. “I have three grown children and know what it’s like to grow up in society like it is today.”

The board needs people who care, with organizational skills, and who know that education is more than getting students their high school diplomas, she said.

Veronica Williams said her experience working as a teacher, her desire to provide different ideas and to work with anyone whose interest is improving the district, makes her a good candidate for the board seat.

“My main focus will be improving the schools and providing them what they need,” she said.

King is a retired pediatric nurse, as well as a former substitute teacher, and was a foster parent for children in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

“I am concerned we are not achieving the minimum education standards,” King said. “I am very troubled by that.”

King said it is important for people on all sides to be willing to collaborate.

“People need to be willing to listen and work together for the best interests of the children,” she said.

Simms, who works with adults with developmental disabilities at Gateways to Better Living, said she wants to reverse the decline in educational opportunities.

“I think the board can make a difference,” Simms said. “I think I can help the board move in a positive direction.”

Simms is hoping to look beyond past differences between the board and other entities, and focus on the kids.

“I can be a voice of reason,” she said. “I will listen to both sides. I can play devil’s advocate. I can hear both sides. My main focus is to find a way to help the kids. That’s what the focus should be.”

rsmith@tribtoday.com