Youngstown CEO Mohip cites home vandalism in search for new job - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

There's turmoil at the top of the Youngstown City School District.

Youngstown Schools need to replace two members on their Academic Distress Commission and now they may be looking for a new CEO.

Krish Mohip is one of two finalists out of more than 1,000 people who applied for a superintendents position for the Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado. The Colorado community will interview Mohip and the other finalist this Thursday and Friday.

In a statement CEO Mohip said:  "I'm a father of three young children.  Last November, after a third episode of vandalism at my home, I decided I wouldn't be comfortable bringing my family to live with me here in Youngstown.  That's when I began considering other employment."

Mohip signed on as the state's first school CEO in June of 2016 after the legislature passed House Bill 70 to restructure the school district.

Since then he's battled consistently with the school board which has challenged him every step of the way.

Youngstown School Board member Dario Hunter believes if Mohip leaves it's the perfect time to re-examine who should have oversight of the district.

"Can we now talk about how we bring the community together to get parents and students voices involved to shape a real plan that's genuinely going to work for our kids?  It's the time to talk about that now," Hunter said.

A member of the Academic Distress Commission that selected Mohip says the district will move forward with or without him.

"I had a long conversation with Krish about his future here in the district.  I understand he has to do what's best for him and his family.  But we are going to move forward without any individual person.  And the focus as always will remain with the students," Nick Santucci of the Academic Distress Commission said.

If a new CEO is needed the State Superintendent with the Ohio State Board of Education would be tasked with filling two vacancies that exist on the Academic Distress Commission.

Brian Benyo and Jennifer Roller who were appointed by the state originally, resigned on March 2nd.

In the meantime, Deputy Superintendent John Richard has the responsibility of supporting the work of the academic distress commission until a new chair is designated.

Once the Academic Distress Commission again has five members, it would be up to them to interview and ultimately select a new Youngstown City School District CEO.

State Senator Joe Schiavoni, who is also a candidate for governor, is pushing for the next CEO and appointees for two vacant spots on the commission to have experience in public education in urban areas dealing with poverty and also ties to the valley. 

He said that he spoke with the State Superintendent Tuesday urging him to consider that criteria for those positions as well as giving the community an active role in the selection process.

Schiavoni explained that as a State Senator and a concerned person from the Mahoning Valley, he has heard from those in the community who want people with an education background and a local connection.