YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Opposition is growing to a decision to put a C-E-O in charge of the Youngstown City School District. A rally was held Thursday in front of the Youngstown Board of Education offices.

About one hundred people turned out to hear teachers, administrators and others condemn the passage of House Bill 70, which would turn over daily operations of city schools to a C-E-O. They are most upset that the bill was pushed through after secret meetings without any public input.

"The people in this community are disappointed that there wasn't more of a grass roots involvement in this. We feel it was done kind of behind our backs," said Kathy McGee, a Youngstown parent.

Another parent said she was there because she wants Youngstown schools to succeed, even though she decided to enroll her children in private school.

"While my heart is with the Youngstown city schools, my mother was an educator in the city school system, I had to make a decision for my children who are growing up right now," Kimberly Johnson said.

Kathy Barth has 28 years as a Youngstown teacher and is a witness to improvements she says are being made.

"I think what people are missing is that there are a lot of programs in Youngstown city schools that are working, but it's a work in progress," said Barth.

Youngstown teachers say They won't stand by and be passive, They want a voice in the districts future.

"And we are going to demand now that you let us be a part of the voice of Youngstown. We need to have a voice in what's happening in our city schools," said Paula Valentini of the Youngstown Education Association.

A protest march in support of local control is also being planned for July 7th at 3 p.m. Participants will march from downtown to the  school board offices.