YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - An elementary school in Youngstown is the latest site to host a forum on ways to stem the rising tide of violent crimes in the community.

City officials and representatives of area block watch organizations have been invited to attend a community open house meeting at Taft Elementary School on Wednesday evening.

Last spring, Taft students and staff led a peace march around the school, pleading for an end to the violence that's ravaged the city and the neighborhoods.

"We just want our scholars to be safe. They deserve that,” said Taft Principal Tod Morris. “This meeting is an opportunity for families to express their concerns and to ask questions. One of the goals is to develop a plan for how Taft can become a hub for community conversation and support neighborhood safety."

Mayor Jamel Tito Brown, Seventh Ward Councilwoman, as well as other community leaders, are expected to attend the meeting slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the school,730 E. Avondale Ave.