“One Vision. One Youngstown.” Rendering released of integrated high school
A major capital improvement project is set to start as early as May at East High School in Youngstown, which will transition to the newly integrated Youngstown High School for fall 2026.
On March 10, the YCSD board of education approved a beautification project at the high school, which is estimated at $3 million.
The project is focused on enhancing safety and uniting the student bodies. There’s an architectural redesign planned for the building’s main entrance, including an emphasis on the new “Defenders” logo.
The new entryway, located off of East High, will include a gated entry with a dedicated officer to monitor who enters the facility. It will also have the names of former schools on the side of the structure, honoring the district’s history.
A covered canopy will extend to the existing sidewalk along the drive where student drop-offs occur, providing a safe, protected route to the entrance space for all students and visitors.
The safety of scholars and staff remains the district’s top priority. The project features a new “Gatehouse” entryway with a dedicated officer to monitor all facility access, an enclosed lobby and redesigned sight lines from office spaces to guarantee a secure and friendly environment.
DPH Architecture of Canfield will lead the construction project, set to begin in early summer of 2026 and is anticipated to wrap up by September.
Jeremy Batchelor is the superintendent for YCSD.
“As we enter One Vision. One Youngstown, this project represents a substantial shift in how the district will approach the experience at Youngstown High School,” Batchelor said. “By enhancing and upgrading the school site, we are building a unified campus community where every scholar has access to educational opportunities and a state-of-the-art school facility.”
The plan includes modern landscaping and an exterior plaza area with large sidewalks, seating areas and signature sculptural elements to provide school identification and Defender pride.
“We want scholars, families, staff and every community member who walks through the door to feel proud of the environment we’re building for the future of Youngstown students,” Batchelor said.
To manage cash flow and capitalize on low interest rates, the District will finance the project using Certificates of Participation.
