YCSD parents speak out against decision to cancel middle school football season

The Youngstown City School District is standing by its decision to cancel the remainder of the middle school football season after a violent fight broke out at the East and Chaney Football game last week. 

Some parents are speaking out over the district's solution to cancel the season, which affects all players and its cheerleaders. 

"Just cancel our kid's dreams, no corrective action needed," said Eric Taylor of Youngstown during a YCSD School Board meeting Tuesday. "I don't think that's the answer."

Parents and students from both Chaney and East Middle School football teams, banding together to speak out against the cancellation of the remainder of its football season.

A Youngstown Police report details multiple groups of minors fighting after the matchup last Wednesday. Some parents speaking out about damage and theft of phones and other valuables.

"When my son played football, they are disciplined," explained parent Samantha Anderson. "And for this event to take place, it was like our boys got double punishment because there was no punishment for the other side."

Parents like Kiantre Woods say the program offers a positive environment that they don't want to cut short.

"What are we going to do to go forward with the strategic plan to help these children?" she asked the board. "Now the kids are just in the streets and even after the fact on this, what's next?"

"For most of these kids, that's all they got is football," Taylor added. "It's a stepping stone for them to learn other things. Whether it's communicating with other people or getting along with the other side."

Coaches of both East and Chaney football teams present at Tuesday's school board meeting wanting to find a solution for their team. Both coaches declined to speak with 21 News on camera.

While the school board is standing firm with its decision, Board Member Kenneth Donaldson hosted a prayer circle, encouraging both teams to unite amid the tension.

"You break a $1,000 phone, you steal somebody's stuff, yes punishment is needed," explained parent Shae Henderson. "But what about all these other boys whose grades are good and who earned the right to play? What about them?"

The Youngstown City School District issued this statement Monday announcing the decision to prematurely end the season:

The Youngstown City School District (YCSD) announces the conclusion of its middle school football season, effective immediately, due to concerns and conduct that do not align with the district's mission and vision. While this decision is not made lightly, it is taken with full confidence in our commitment to establishing a standard of excellence for our scholars.

At YCSD, we believe that sportsmanship, accountability, and integrity are core values that shape not only immediate success but also instill lifelong lessons. The decision to end the seasons is based on our duty to uphold these values at all levels and with all stakeholders. As a district, we are dedicated to creating a positive, respectful, and responsible environment for our scholar-athletes, which will better prepare them for their future endeavors.

"We are committed to the development of well-rounded scholars who exemplify the highest standards of conduct both on and off the field," said Jeremy Batchelor, Superintendent of YCSD. "This decision underscores our resolve to ensure that our programs reflect the very best of our district's values."

Moving forward, YCSD will be working diligently with staff, coaches, scholars, and families to evaluate the current culture of our middle school sports programs and implement necessary measures to improve accountability and foster a positive, supportive environment for all participants.

The district will continue to provide opportunities for our scholars to engage in athletic and extracurricular activities, with a renewed focus on the values of teamwork, respect, and responsibility. Together, we will work toward building a stronger, more unified community that upholds the principles of sportsmanship and success, both in academics and athletics.
The district reminds YCSD families and the community that Rayen Stadium remains a welcoming, family-friendly space to watch sports and support our scholar-athletes.

Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor told 21 News they are going to work with the coaches and families to review the situation and find necessary measures needed to improve its football environment. Batchelor and the school board declined to speak with 21 News on-camera Tuesday.

Related coverage: https://www.wfmj.com/story/51487563/youngstown-schools-cancel-remainder-of-middle-school-football-season-over-conduct-concerns