Every great school begins with a great leader. October is National Principals Month, and across the Youngstown City School District, we take this time to honor the dedicated, visionary, and compassionate leaders who serve at the heart of every building.
Our principals are the the bridge between vision and reality, policy and practice, hope and opportunity. They are the ones who set the tone for excellence, who model what it means to āDefend the Y,ā and who guide their teams and scholars with purpose and heart.
This year, under our guiding theme of āOne Vision, One Youngstown,ā we celebrate not only what our principals do ā but who they are and what they bring each day to the mission of serving our scholars.
Our Principals: Leading with Vision and Heart
Each of our leaders embodies the Portrait of a Graduate through their own unique strengths, shaping environments where scholars learn to communicate, think critically, act responsibly, show empathy, and adapt with confidence.
ā Tricia Mulcahy, Chaney High School ā A resilient leader preparing scholars to rise through critical thinking and adaptability. Saddle up for one last ride!
ā Michael Sauner, Chaney Middle School ā A builder of culture and accountability, modeling responsibility and clear communication.
ā Debra Campbell, East High School ā A steadfast presence of empathy and high expectations, leading transformation through care and rigor. Paws Up for the final round!
ā Bryan Whitmore, East Middle School ā A steady, consistent communicator ensuring clarity in every decision and action.
ā Dr. Michael Saville, Choffin Career & Technical Center ā A pathway creator helping scholars become responsible innovators and problem-solvers.
ā Monica Jones, Youngstown Rayen Early College High School ā A trailblazer of adaptability and dual success, proving scholars can thrive in both high school and college.
ā Dr. Maureen Donofrio, Rayen Early College Middle School ā A champion of balance, combining rigor and empathy to build confident communicators.
ā Karen Klem, Paul C. Bunn Elementary ā A foundation-builder, nurturing empathy and communication in our youngest learners.
ā Kelly Weeks, Volney Elementary ā An adaptive and responsible leader, guiding her growing community through change with strength and grace.
ā Dave Bermann, Harding Elementary ā A servant leader, grounded in empathy and responsibility, creating a climate of trust.
ā Dawn Walton, Harding Elementary ā A courageous and compassionate leader modeling adaptability and empathy through support and opportunity.
ā Moris Jadue, Martin Luther King Elementary ā A beacon of empathy and adaptability, carrying forward with new ideas and leadership.
ā Dr. Kelly Washington, Taft Elementary ā A transformational leader raising the bar through innovation, rigor, and responsibility.
ā Rick Fox, Wilson Alternative and Youngstown Virtual ā A champion of diverse learners, ensuring equity and adaptability in every learning pathway.
One Vision. One Youngstown. Defend the Y.
Leadership in Youngstown is more than a title ā itās a calling. Our principals show up every day for their scholars, their staff, and their communities. They navigate challenges with resilience, celebrate small victories with joy, and model the belief that excellence is both possible and expected for every child in our city.
To our principals: thank you for your courage, your consistency, your care, and your belief in Youngstownās promise.
As we celebrate National Principals Month, we honor your leadership, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to One Vision, One Youngstown.
Defend the Y.
Jeremy J. Batchelor
Superintendent, Youngstown City School District

