Dear Youngstown City Schools Families, Scholars, Staff, and Community,
I am writing to provide clarity on misinformation and to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to safety and excellence following the reported incidents at the Chaney-East basketball game on Tuesday, February 10.
It is important to note that there were no fights during the game inside the building. The game itself proceeded as intended, and our scholars and athletes represented their schools with pride and sportsmanship. Additionally, we did not exceed the facility's maximum capacity, further reinforcing safety measures.
Following the game, disturbances occurred outside the building and in the parking lot. Based on information gathered thus far, many of those involved were not current scholars of the Youngstown City School District, including individuals who had not been admitted to the event. We are continuing to review information in coordination with local authorities.
We want to be clear that, for any YCSD scholars involved, immediate action was taken within 24 hours. The district has a Code of Excellence; we hold our scholars to high standards, and accountability is a core part of our culture.
We also must acknowledge a shared responsibility. When safety measures, entry limits, and expectations are established, community members must comply and support those standards. Failure to do so undermines the positive progress we have worked hard to build together and reflects negatively on our entire community.
Moving forward, the district will reevaluate safety plans, and individuals who are not admitted to events will be respectfully expected to vacate district property. We will enforce this expectation and, when necessary, will pursue appropriate processes, including issuing trespassing citations, to ensure safe and orderly environments.
As we enter into One Vision, One Youngstown next school year, our scholars from Chaney and East High Schools, as well as Chaney and East Middle School, have regularly met for leadership retreats and camps and have held joint events. In good faith, our scholars and school communities are collaborating as much as possible in preparation for the merger and will continue to do so. We ask you to please not let it be conflated as just a Chaney and East issue, when it is beyond our school system.
Our scholars and scholar-athletes deserve the opportunity to participate in outstanding events that showcase their talent, spirit, and growth without negative distractions or misrepresentations. Thank you to the many students, families, and community members who continue to support our standards and shared mission. Together, we will continue to move forward under One Vision, One Youngstown.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Batchelor, Superintendent