Parma City School District

This document serves as a notice to schedule a Special Meeting of the Board of Education for the Communications & Community Relations Committee. The notice also lists key administrative and board personnel for the Parma City School District.

The special board meeting focused primarily on financial planning and levy scenarios. Discussions included various financial models concerning the collection of the school district income tax and the discontinuation timelines for three emergency levies, scheduled to begin in 2027 and conclude by 2029 or 2030, depending on the scenario. The board reviewed multiple scenarios outlining potential budget cuts, specifically $15 million over three years, against the backdrop of maintaining a 60-day policy for cash reserves (approximately $25-26 million). Specific scenarios compared outcomes with and without the proposed 1.75% income tax levy and analyzed how adjustments to levy collection schedules and proposed cuts impacted year-over-year fund balances through fiscal year 2030 and beyond. The board requested further analysis on specific scenarios, particularly those showing higher unreserved fund balances, to gauge potential adjustments to proposed budgetary cuts.

The meeting commenced with a statement addressing disruptions at the previous board meeting, emphasizing the need for respect and safety during public participation, and outlining stricter adherence to public comment procedures moving forward. The board confirmed receipt and review of meeting materials. Key actions included the approval of the current meeting agenda. A significant discussion revolved around the approval of the written record of proceedings from the February 12, 2026, regular board meeting, specifically regarding the failure to record the stated reason for entering executive session, which members acknowledged was due to an improper statutory reason at the time. The board debated whether to amend the minutes to reflect the improper reason or vote to approve them as postponed from the prior session to avoid invalidating actions taken at the February 12th meeting, such as the approval for the eighth-grade students' trip to Washington. Discussion also touched upon the lack of specific procedural details in the February 12th minutes regarding recess times and executive session votes.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the board meeting agenda. Key discussion items included updates on community events, specifically the Perogi Dinner scheduled for March 6, 2026, and the Community Egg Hunt on March 21, 2026. There was also mention of continuing 'did you know' videos regarding the upcoming levy. The primary focus of the session was the presentation and discussion of the February 2026 Five-Year Forecast. This forecast highlighted that while the district is projected to be positive through fiscal year 2028, current projections show a deficit starting in fiscal year 2027 due to factors like the county overpayment repayment, legislative changes affecting funding (like moving the 20 mil floor implications and House Bill 129/335), and state funding remaining at fiscal year 2022 levels while expenditures increase. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the financial implications of potentially discontinuing the gifted program services, specifically the Paige program, which was clarified as not being directly approved by accepting the forecast.

This document is a transcript of an information night presentation for Kindergarten through 8th Grade programs. It outlines the district's foundational goals: increasing student achievement, enhancing transparency within communities, and practicing fiscal responsibility. The presentation showcases the district's performance on state report cards, highlights progress in gifted education, and details high school AP exam success. Key program offerings, including gifted identification processes, support services, and the K-8 STEM program focused on project-based learning and collaboration, are also presented.