YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A group of Youngstown residents says the failing grade by Youngstown City Schools is educational malpractice.
The men and women want the Youngstown School Board to adopt President Barack Obama's Executive Order for Educational Excellence for African American students.
They point out that the state report card from 1999 to 2012 shows the system is failing children.
Jimma McWilson, the host of Saturday's event, says the current system of education must be changed to help children succeed.
"That's why the report card was so important; to show that you spent more than a billion dollars over the last 14 years to get F and D. That's not acceptable," McWilson said.
"It's a card reflecting the negligence of the Youngstown school district," said E.L. Henderson.
"Rigorous teaching and training, providing counselors, tutoring for those kids who are behind, and that is what we're advocating," said Wally Solodene.
The group of men and women say the district has been given millions in federal funds to implement successful programs but have failed.
They also advocate putting kids who cause trouble in home school situations so students who want to learn can learn.