WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioEnd of an era for Chaney High School

End of an era for Chaney High School

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - It was the final graduation for Chaney High School as we know it.  Because as the Chaney High School Class of 2011 walked in to a new phase of their life, their Alma Mater has now officially opened a new chapter in the Youngstown School District's education plan.

Chaney High School will become the Chaney campus of visual and performing arts, with a S.T.E.M Program which includes science, technology, education and math.  East High School's lesson plan will cater to students interested in business and legal professions.  Chaney graduate Dasia Square says, "Actually I think it's a good idea.  Like something has to give, something has to change.  We all know that things haven't been going too great.  But I think it's the next step up, and it will push kids to want to do better."

For at least 50 years the Chaney High School Cowboys have had a rich tradition and strong fan base supporting the athletic programs, but even though the sports programs will disappear next school year, students graduating on Thursday at Stambaugh Auditorium say the new program will provide more opportunities to succeed academically.  Graduate Omar Mujahed feels, "It gets the students more ready for college in the field they want to study.  I mean if you're undecided then maybe it causes a little problem, but for students who know what they wan to do it's going to be pretty good."

But the parent of a Chaney student questions why the school district didn't involve parents and teachers in the decision.  Tamara Haynes says, "Is seems like the Youngstown School District makes decisions, don't include the parents or even the teachers in the decisions they make and they jump in to something and then when things go wrong they blame each other."

Superintendent, Dr. Connie Hathorne believes the revitalization or restructuring plan could help improve the District's graduation rate and motivate students to want to achieve because they can choose the subjects they are interested in.