Two area education leaders were recognized for promoting high achievement in schools.

Youngstown schools Chief Executive Officer Justin Jennings and Paula Baco, supervisor / interim director of the Trumbull Career and Technical Center, were recognized by High Schools That Work Northeast Ohio for providing leadership and the improvements made in their organizations.

The two were recognized for their work to build leadership skills in their respective buildings and districts.

“We believe changing adult behaviors will increase student achievement and graduation rates,” Diana Rogers, regional coordinator at HSTWNE, said.

Jennings and Baco are among five in the northeast Ohio region to be recognized for their abilities to make significant improvements in their respective areas, using data driven methods.

Jennings is to receive the 2021 HSTW District Leadership Award.

“Since taking the helm of Youngstown City School District two years ago, community engagement has improved, and clear goals have been set with this man’s guidance to help YCSD support a culture of continuous improvement,” according to Jeremy Batchelor, the district’s chief of staff.

The CEO was honored to receive the recognition.

“We’re working hard to improve academics at the Youngstown City School District, and it’s great to have that work acknowledged,” Jennings said. “This is truly a team effort. It takes all of us working together to make progress.”

Baco is to be given the 2021 HSTW Career Technical Education School Leadership award and the 2021 Burkholder Leadership Scholarship Award for increasing student achievement, according to Rogers.

Mary Flint, current director of Trumbull Career and Technical high school, described Baco as always being on top of new initiatives. “She always is willing to be one of the first to try different things,” Flint said. “She never shies away from work. She is very dedicated.”

Flint describes Baco as very good at putting others at ease in new situations. “She is well versed and knowledgeable and is able to break things down for staff members,” Flint continued.

Receiving the two awards was definitely a surprise for Baco.

“I’m definitely honored to receive this kind of recognition,” she said.

She has worked at TCTC for 19 years, including as an English teacher, an intervention specialist and a supervisor. Baco will be TCTC high school’s director next year when Flint retires.

“One of my strongest leadership characteristics is a willingness to listen to others,” she said. “I want people around me to be heard and I am willing to listen to their ideas.”