Tense Parma school board meeting follows student’s death at Valley Forge High School

PARMA, Ohio (WOIO) - What was expected to be a forum for the Parma community to share concerns turned tense and, at times, chaotic. Thursday night police escorted several speakers and audience members out, cutting public comment short and some school board members walking out.

“We are now going to end public comment,” the board announced.

The highly charged meeting comes days after an 18-year-old student died by suicide Monday in the Valley Forge High School cafeteria, prompting renewed questions from parents and students about safety, mental health resources and security measures across the district.

One speaker in the crowd called on district leaders to resign, saying the district’s response has not gone far enough. “They don’t feel safe. You need to resign. Your response has been seriously inadequate.”

Public comment was limited to three minutes per speaker. Metal detectors and mental health support were among the most frequently raised issues.

“Kids get bullied day in and day out,” one speaker told the board, urging immediate action. Another Valley Forge student called for metal detectors in every school, saying, “It is 2026, and the reality students face today is completely different from what adults experience when they went to school.”

Students also spoke about fear and a desire to feel safe at school. “I do not feel safe in school anymore. School is a place of learning, not fear.”

The district said it will be conducting a thorough review of all safety and security protocols to identify any areas that can be strengthened, so our practices remain as effective as possible and will provide updates to the community as information is confirmed and appropriate to share.

“We are deeply grateful to the staff for their quick action and care for students during this incredibly difficult situation. So, if you’re keeping up with what we’ve been posting, both of our high schools were closed today to students as we provided care for staff, for our students that were able and willing to come in to work with mental health professionals. As we prepare for students to come back, we recognize the concerns that families have. Additional supports will be in place, including an increased staff and security presence, said superintendent Parma school district Dr. Scott Hunt.

He adds during the meeting that they currently have a multi-layered approach in place to address safety and security in the district.

“To repeat, this includes dedicated safety and security staff employed by our system, collaboration with our local law enforcement in all three communities, as well as the training that we’ve done in these situations. As we reopen school, we will have increased safety and security measures in terms of law enforcement patrolling the inside and outside of our buildings. Our district safety team will also be visible in our buildings, and we will remain vigilant about see something, say something. In the last 48 hours, we’ve worked closely with the Parma Heights Police Department to make immediate additions to safety protocols that we have in place at Valley Gorge High School. The police department is increasing patrols around the school, but they are also implementing an increased officer presence inside the building by providing additional officers inside of the school, ” said Dr. Hunt.

What’s next: school schedules

Normandy High School students return to classes Friday on a normal schedule. Valley Forge High School students will attend on an abbreviated schedule:

• 11th and 12th grade: 9–10:30 a.m.
• 9th and 10th grade: noon–1:30 p.m.

Both high schools are scheduled to return to a normal school-day schedule on Monday.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day for anyone who needs help. It is free and confidential.