PARMA, Ohio — The Parma School Board meeting room and overflow space is crowded with parents, neighbors and concerned citizens trying to figure out the future of Parma Senior High School.
In June, following the fourth failed bond issue, the district approved a consolidation plan that would include tearing down Parma Senior High.
Then, earlier this week, the Mayor of Seven Hills released a letter saying he believed the district would be eligible for a type of funding through the state that would help them cover renovation expenses to the senior high school.
"If we don't have open and honest conversations about what's going on with an irrevocable act like tearing down a building, then it's going to jeopardize the integrity of the system years ahead," Seven Hills Mayor Anthony Biasiotta said.
That's why the district held this special meeting.
Those in favor of what the Mayor found believe it could give the a chance to renovate instead of tear down the old school.
Pat Nemeth is in favor of the renovation, but says she would *not vote to build a new school.
"They have capability here where a lot of our other schools are landlocked and can't give us that. Renovation would be the key," Nemeth said.
This, while those in favor of tearing down the old school and finding a way to fund a new one, say the money the district would have to pour into the schools to make them eligible for the state funds should go toward a new building.
"There are some folks who believe this waiver would be free, we would still have to pass a bond issue, I think it was about a dollar less than if we were to build a brand new building for our students," Parma Parent Melissa Wolfe said.
Ward 8 Councilwoman Linda Kohar says listening to her constituents, there's been a common theme.
"I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of people in my work and I see a lot of young families moving in and most of them really, really want a new school," Kohar said.
There were no decisions made in Saturday's meeting, but it was made clear from both sides that they say they want what is best for the students in the district.