Six candidates — including a write-in — are running for three seats on the Youngstown City Schools Board of Education. An * denotes incumbents.

TED BROWN (write-in)

AGE: 63

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None

3 PRIORITIES:

• Raise student performance and prepare graduates for college, career and life by expanding literacy and math interventions in all grades; providing tutoring, mentoring and after-school enrichment; strengthen teaching training and retention.

• Build trust and strengthen partnerships with parents, families and the community by launching a parent academy and creating a parent advisory council; host monthly community forums and improve communication tools; and partner with local churches, universities and businesses for mentorship, internships and scholarships.

• Ensure schools are safe by expanding anti-bullying programs and restorative justice practices; increase access to counselors, social workers and mental health resources; and grow career pathways programs.

TINA CVETKOVICH*

AGE: 56

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Serving her second four-year term on the Youngstown school board.

3 PRIORITIES:

• Collaboration is the cornerstone of a successful school district. Moving Youngstown City Schools forward requires that all voices be heard and valued from educators and staff to parents, students, grandparents, community leaders, faith-based organizations and elected officials. When we work together, we create stronger support systems for our students and more sustainable solutions for our schools. I am committed to fostering partnerships that bring the entire community to the table so we can continue to build a district that serves every child effectively.

• Transparency builds trust, and trust is vital to progress. Our families and community members deserve open, honest and accurate communication about the district’s decisions, operations and performance. I will continue to advocate for clear and consistent information sharing so that the public always has a true understanding of what is happening within our schools. Transparency is not only about access to information, but also about ensuring that the information shared is correct, timely and meaningful to those we serve.

• Strong governance depends on sound, well-informed policies. As a board member, I will continue to work with state and local partners — including the Ohio School Boards Association, the Consortium of State School Boards Association, NEOLA and the Ohio 8 Coalition — to develop policies that align with best practices and the special needs of our district. Effective policy development provides clear guidance for administration and staff while keeping our focus where it belongs: on student success and accountability.

TEON DAVIS

Did not respond to the questionnaire.

KENNETH DONALDSON*

AGE: 57

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Serving his first term on the Youngstown school board.

3 PRIORITIES: Not provided

JOSEPH S. MERANTO*

AGE: 75

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Appointed to Youngstown school board in 2022, elected in 2023

3 PRIORITIES:

• To support our district leadership and staff by making sure they have the necessary resources to serve our students and families. This will be accomplished by examining our funding and expenditures so that the taxpayers will clearly understand that we are making the best use of our resources and assuring that funds are used properly with the best interests of our students at the forefront.

• To act as an advocate for our students and families in the community so that they can receive the support they need to be successful both in the present and future. This not only includes academic support but also physical, mental and emotional support. Drawing on my over 50 years as an educator, with the last 20 in the Youngstown school district, I believe I know firsthand what our students and staff need to be successful and how best to see they get it.

• To promote our district and public education in general by keeping the public informed and updated on the latest information and activities that directly affect our students and school district. I have always been and will continue to be a voice for the voiceless in Youngstown. As the taxpayers liaison I will fight to make sure our school district and families are receiving fair and equitable treatment from the state and federal government in all school matters.

MILLION PERRY PHIFER

AGE: 25

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None

3 PRIORITIES:

• My first priority is to strengthen the social and emotional support systems for our students. Too many of our students are struggling silently with grief, violence, poverty and mental health challenges. I would work to expand partnerships with local agencies such as Mercy Health, Compass Family & Community Services to bring licensed counselors and behavioral specialists into our schools weekly. To fund these services, I would target grants such as the SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Training Grant, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce’s School-Based Health Grant and American Rescue Plan community wellness funds. These partnerships will also help reduce suspensions and chronic absenteeism through in-school mentoring, peace circles and family engagement programs.

• Our district needs policies that truly reflect what’s happening inside the classrooms, not just what’s written on paper. I want to work closely with teachers, aides and building staff to review and reform policies around discipline, student support and professional development. That includes creating a Staff Advisory Committee that meets monthly with board members to discuss real challenges from classroom safety to resource shortages and ensuring those voices help shape new policies. For students, I’d push for restorative discipline models instead of harsh suspensions, making sure our rules focus on accountability and growth, not punishment.

• Our schools should feel safe, welcoming and well cared for inside and out. I want to prioritize school safety improvements like outdoor lighting, clean facilities and stronger adult presence during arrival and dismissal. To fund this, I’d go after Safe Routes to School and EPA School Environmental Grants while partnering with local businesses and community groups for volunteer cleanups and school beautification days. I’d also push for more peace-building programs and conflict resolution training to help reduce fights and tension on school grounds. When our students feel safe, they can focus on learning and when our staff feels supported, they can focus on teaching.