YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Board of Education is launching a campaign for a three-million dollar renovation of Rayen Stadium to give East High a home field.

The school board introduced its fundraising committee and its two co- chairmen, Reverend Dr. Lewis Macklin and former YSU coach Jim Tressel, who addressed the meeting by phone.

"It's time for a comeback for Rayen Stadium," Tressel said.

The Rayen Foundation has pledged $200,000 and the school board has committed one-million dollars. The superintendent says that money will not be taken from academics.

"We had money left over from the building projects that can only be used for construction. I need the community to understand it's not about taking money away from the classroom," said Youngstown Superintendent Dr. Connie Hathorn.

Rayen Stadium was built in 1924 and Harry Mays, who wrote a book on the history of the Rayen School, says businessman Henry Stambaugh donated the first $10,000 dollars, but students were also active in the funding raising back then.

"They canvassed the downtown area soliciting subscriptions pledges from businessmen willing to do their part to help pay for the new stadium," Mays said.

Players for East High had to play 10 games on the road this year and want the team to have a home. "The team can be home and play and the people around the community can come watch us play," said East High 10th grader Rayshown Johnson.

The goal is to have the new stadium ready for the 2012 season.