A judge has ruled a takeover of the Youngstown City Schools by an appointed chief executive officer can proceed.
In denying a preliminary injunction Tuesday, Judge Jenifer French delivered a blow to representatives of the academically-distressed district who sought to block implementation of the law this month.
The takeover plan was crafted by a group of local business, community and education leaders with the help of State Superintendent Richard Ross. It was kept secret from the public until it was pushed through both chambers of the state Legislature on a single day.
Ross said in a statement that he looks forward to helping implement the new law. He said there's "nothing worse than seeing our boys and girls trapped in failing schools without the opportunity to achieve their dreams."