Youngstown City School District Announces Two-Phase District Reconfiguration
In a transformative effort to optimize educational resources and enhance learning environments, Youngstown City School District is announcing a significant reconfiguration in the 2026-2027 school year and a two-phase development initiative to advance educational opportunities further. This strategic plan will involve merging Chaney High School and East High School into one central high school and combining Chaney Middle School and East Middle School into a single integrated campus.
The goal of the reconfiguration is to ensure that every scholar has continued access to career and college readiness, high-quality instruction, and a cohesive school identity while utilizing our resources responsibly and fiscally.
Phase 1 High School Consolidation: The first phase of the reconfiguration will commence in the 2026-2027 school year by merging Chaney and East High Schools into a central high school. The central high school will be located in the current East High School building. With its newer athletics fields, building capacity, and collaborative learning spaces, the current East building will more than accommodate the combined student body.
This change also comes with added course offerings. High schoolers will have access to expanded career and technical education to kick off the expansion of educational resources. Over 80% of our juniors and seniors already participate at Choffin Career and Technical Center, and the consolidation allows the district to align those pathways under one unified system further.
Transportation: The Youngstown Board of Education wishes to resume high school busing in the 2026-2027 school year. However, it cannot be guaranteed at this time due to the current legislative requirements that obligate the district to transport students who do not attend Youngstown City Schools. These mandates place a financial and logistical strain on our system—resources that could otherwise be directed toward enhancing services for those who choose Youngstown daily. We are asking our community to stand with us as we advocate for legislative adjustments that would ease these burdens and allow us to prioritize transportation for our own scholars.
Phase 1 Middle School Consolidation: The first phase involves consolidating Chaney Middle School and East Middle School into one central middle school, which will be located at the current East Middle School (P. Ross Berry Campus). This phase will streamline resources and implement innovative teaching and learning methodologies.
Staffing: Staffing during this phase will also be evaluated based on current district needs.
Youngstown Rayen Early College High School and Rayen Early College Middle School: These schools offer additional college access pathways and will continue to operate.
Family, scholar, and community outreach: We understand that with these changes comes questions. The district will launch a dedicated website at ycsd.org with relevant timelines, updates, and information. We will also host town halls, targeted family nights, and scholar forums and teams to assist with branding, renaming, and school culture.
Phase 2 2027 and Beyond: As YCSD prepares for Phase 1 implementation, we are also beginning strategic discussions regarding enhancing central office functionality and continuing to assess long-term building needs.
Youngstown Board of Education President Juanita Walker emphasized that this transition was made in partnership with fellow board members and Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor. In a joint statement, both relay, “It is our responsibility to ensure that our schools provide the best possible learning, growth, and development environment. This reconfiguration, which has been discussed in public ad hoc committee meetings and other public meetings for over a year, will enhance the educational experience for all scholars. With state cuts a possibility, alongside House bills such as Ohio Senate Bill 127, the district had to plan for the immediate future. We remain committed to a transparent transition, with little disruption, while ensuring every decision prioritizes our scholars.”
They continued, “Together, we can create a district that not only meets the needs of our current students but prepares us for a future of growth.”