Youngstown schools must raise expectations

November 21, 2021

It’s no secret that Youngstown’s school district has struggled to provide a first-rate education. State exam scores have consistently been among the lowest in Ohio. Its most recent report card indicates that just 12 percent of graduates go on to complete an associate degree or higher. Because of these academic troubles, the district has been under formal state supervision through an Academic Distress Commission since 2009. Vocal advocates, however, have blasted the intervention policy and clamored for a return to full local control. In response, lawmakers recently enacted ...

YSU must cut its costs now to secure its future

November 14, 2021

Much has been reported in recent days regarding Youngstown State University’s enrollment, academic offerings and budget. Here, we will provide context to help clarify actions that are being taken and why they are necessary for YSU’s long-term sustainability as an institution of opportunity that inspires individuals, enhances futures and enriches lives. Let’s start in 2018, when the Higher Learning Commission, or HCL, awarded YSU a full 10-year re-accreditation. While HLC offered much praise, it also required a comprehensive review of all academic programs to ensure efficiency, ...

It’s time for Valley to reap potential of green industry

October 31, 2021

Appalachia is rich in resources that span physical and social realms. A rich natural environment, an intentional network of infrastructure and a ready workforce unique to each community, when we work together as a region, is the best way to revitalize and bring our economies into the 21st century. With the right partnerships and federal investment, this region has potential to become a hub for green industrial manufacturing. Struthers recently was awarded a $50,000 Appalachian Regional Commission POWER planning grant to develop a regional strategic plan for green industrial ...

Study shows value in Vax-to-School lottery program in Ohio

October 24, 2021

For more than 10 months, the COVID-19 vaccines have been available to Ohioans, and many of us have eagerly rolled up our sleeves for them. Older Ohioans, who are especially at risk of death from the virus, have been the most motivated to get the shot. In fact, more than 88 percent of Ohioans ages 70 to 74 have been vaccinated. Conversely, many younger people have yet to receive the vaccine, with only 48 percent of 20- to 29-year-olds vaccinated — leaving more than half at risk of contracting COVID-19 at a time when the extremely infectious delta variant is among us and when many ...

Joe Biden and Dems are failing Ohioans

October 17, 2021

As I travel the United States, I am blown away by the passionate, patriotic men and women who work to ensure strong conservative candidates win in communities across the country. However, the work to stop Biden’s failing agenda begins in 2022 with red states like Ohio. The Democrats’ promise to “build back better” and restore unity is a mockery to the people of Ohio when, in reality, Biden is painting a bleak picture. President Biden lost Ohio by eight points in 2020, and it is clear why. In the last nine months alone, his radical agenda has failed Americans, created an ...

Still work to be done in Appalachia

October 11, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from representatives of the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. Since 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission has collaborated with local and state partners to transform communities, create jobs and strengthen the regional economy. As the ARC federal co-chair, I work collaboratively with the ARC to foster economic growth throughout Appalachia. In our Appalachian region, the issue has always been equity. We all want to level the playing field so Appalachia can succeed; we want the ...