Parma City School Board approves new member 2‑1 as one trustee declines to explain no vote

The Parma City School District Board of Education voted 2‑1 on May 21 to approve Resolution 2026‑05‑237, appointing a new board member.

Board member Miss Kerpich moved the resolution and it was seconded; the roll call recorded Miss Kerpich (yes), Missus Sebastian (yes) and Mister Reyes (no), producing a majority in favor and passage of the measure. After the vote, Mister Reyes declined to explain his dissent, saying only “No. That’s my vote. No explanation needed.”

Madam President, who led the meeting, warned the public that the board faces operational strain with a reduced membership and said the lack of an explanation deepened that concern. “That puts us in a position where we are going to have a probate judge who not only does not know our district… that will appoint this person,” she said, noting the time limits in Ohio’s vacancy process.

Legal counsel had earlier summarized the statutory timeline under the Ohio Revised Code: the board must appoint a replacement by the first meeting after the initial 10‑day window; if the board does not fill the vacancy by the statutory deadline, the probate judge may make the appointment. Counsel named the local probate judge referenced in discussion.

Board members defended the vote as consistent with their responsibilities representing about 9,000 students in the Parma City School District, and several said the community’s applicants were strong. The dissent and the brief, public exchange over whether Mister Reyes should explain his no vote produced audible tension among trustees and prompted discussion about committee assignments and the need to maintain a functioning board quorum.

The board did not announce the appointee’s name in the meeting minutes read on May 21; the recorded resolution number is 2026‑05‑237 and the roll‑call vote is part of the official record.