In hot summer days when classrooms are empty and corridors are silent, the schools of Parma are buzzing with the activity of builders working on an ambitious $2.8 million modernization plan. From restoring the iconic domes of Normandy Middle School to installing modern security cameras throughout the county — these projects are not just repairs but a testament to the city's commitment to providing its students with a quality learning environment for the 21st century. As Parma, a suburb of Cleveland, prepares for the new school year, these investments reflect Ohio’s broader effort to combine respect for its historic heritage with aspirations for future education.
Renewal for a new generation
"Our students deserve the best, even if some of our schools are approaching 100 years old," — said Charles Smialek, Superintendent of Parma Schools, in a comment to Cleveland.com. His words reflect the challenges faced by the district, where many buildings constructed in the 1920s and 1930s require significant upgrades. With a perpetual improvement fund totaling $12 million in 2024, according to the district’s financial report, Parma strategically allocates resources to maximize impact. This summer, according to Deputy Director Karl Schneider, the district will complete a series of capital repairs by August 25, when the 2025–2026 school year begins.
The most notable project is the restoration of the Normandy Middle School domes, an architectural landmark that has not been updated for over 20 years. "The domes are covered with stains and look tired," Schneider noted. "After the renovation, they will shine with a uniform color, restoring height to the school." This project, costing approximately $600,000, is not just cosmetic: it strengthens the roof, protecting the building from Ohio’s harsh winters, which, according to the National Weather Service, brought 68 inches of snow to Cuyahoga County in 2024.
Safety and infrastructure as priorities
Another key project involves replacing the outdated fire alarm system at Valley Forge Middle School, the largest expenditure at $1.3 million. "This is a critically important safety investment," Schneider said. "We started work in spring to meet our deadlines." Fire safety has become an urgent issue after a recent fire at the Cedar Ridge residential complex in Medina, which left 30 families homeless due to electrical failures. In Parma, where the district serves 10,000 students across 15 schools, such investments are preventative measures against similar tragedies.
The district is also upgrading infrastructure for younger students. In Green Valley and John Muir elementary schools, new fences are being installed around playgrounds to meet CPSC safety standards, and the Byers Field running track is receiving new surface coverage to support sports programs that, according to Parma City School District, engage 1,200 students annually. Additionally, all school buildings are being equipped with modern exterior security cameras. "We want to cover every corner of our facilities," Schneider explained. "This is a significant step for student and staff safety." This $400,000 project responds to recent incidents, such as the shooting at Euclid Beach, highlighting the need for enhanced security in the region.
Context and challenges
These investments occur against the backdrop of a broader resource struggle in Ohio. Proposed federal cuts to research funding, which could reduce state university funding—such as Ohio State University—by up to $50 million, are creating financial pressures on educational institutions. In Parma, where the school district depends on local taxes and a perpetual improvement fund approved by voters in 2019, Smialek emphasizes efficiency. "We do more with fewer resources," he said. "Our buildings are old, but our dedication to students remains unchanged."
Parma, a suburb with a population of 81,000, known for its Ukrainian community and the recent festival in North Royalton, also strives to preserve its cultural identity. Normandy Middle School, whose domes are a symbol of local pride, was established in 1928 and named after the historic neighborhood settled by European immigrants. The renovation of the domes, visible from I-480, carries not only practical but also symbolic significance, signaling the city’s rebirth.
A community looking ahead
For parents like Emily Rodriguez, whose children attend Green Valley Elementary, these projects are an investment in the future. "The new playgrounds mean my kids will have a safe place to play," she told WKBN. "It shows that the district cares." However, not everyone views the plans with optimism. Some teachers, like Mark Jensen from Valley Forge, express concerns about funding for classroom programs. "We’re repairing roofs but cutting budgets for art and music," he noted in an interview with Parma Observer.
While builders work to complete projects before the start of the school year, Parma stands at the threshold of change. In a region that recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Cleveland Hopkins Airport and faces challenges such as cyberattacks and rising crime rates, these school renovations serve as a beacon of hope. They remind us that even in aging buildings, a modern future for students can be created. "This is just the beginning," Smialek said. "We are building not just schools but a community."
