East High School opened its doors in 1926 as a part of a school system expanded to educate the increasing numbers of youth in Youngstown. This was brought on by the large numbers of immigrants settling in the Mahoning Valley in search of employment. East High School met the challenge hurled at it by the community it served. It weathered an economic depression, international crisis, post-war growth pains, and the problems of inner-city transition.
John W. Smith was East High's first principal, serving from 1926 until his retirement in 1947. Eleven principals followed Mr. Smith.
In 1956 the school was renovated and an addition was built on each of its three floors to provide for an increasing enrollment and to improve the instructional program by providing additional space and modern facilities. Additional renovation took place in 1981 when the restroom areas were improved and new windows and doors were installed throughout the old section of the building. In 1987 improvements were made on the school grounds, installing a fence and enlarging the school parking lot.
In 1980 the Youngstown Board of Education voted to close North High School and consolidate its students and programs with East High. This move was necessitated because of dwindling enrollment in both schools.
In 1993 South High School was closed and many students were transferred to East High.
In 1997 the State of Ohio mandated that a State Commission manage the Youngstown City Schools. The school district was in debt and needed to downsize to survive. The Commission decided that East High School would close and its students would transfer to The Rayen School. Two elementary schools (Lincoln and John White) and one junior high (North Junior High) closed in the same year. East High School became East Middle School in September 1998. Students from Lincoln, John White, Mary Haddow and North Jr. High were transferred to East Middle School. There were 708 students enrolled in grades five through eight at the beginning of the school term.
East has a long and proud history of service to the children of Youngstown's East Side. The school approaches a new millennium with enthusiasm and commitment to continuing its tradition of providing a caring, quality education.
The picture and article on this page were obtained from the Wedsite for East Middle School. Although East High School hasn't returned yet, we ask that you visit their site and see all the valuable information that they have available.
