Parents press Parma City leaders after superintendent announces administrative end to Page gifted program
Summary
The superintendent told the board the Page gifted program is being discontinued as an administrative decision; several parents and community members urged the district to explain the rationale, quantify savings and ensure continuity of gifted services.
During the Jan. 20 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Hunt told the board that the decision to discontinue the Page program was an administrative action and did not require a board vote because Page is not a board‑adopted program. He said the district’s priority is supporting students and families through the transition and that identified gifted students will continue to receive gifted services in their home schools, with options to explore K–8 STEM and other enrichment pathways.
Parents and community members used the public‑comment period to press for more information. Marcus Mitchell asked, “where are those kids going?” and sought specifics about supports for Page students. Brenda Mitchell said parents felt blindsided by an email announcing the cancellation, said the program served about 60 gifted students at one site and asked what considerations were made for safety, bullying risks and whether home‑school placements would provide equivalent services. Jeanne Ross asked how much money the district expects to save by eliminating Page and who participated in the cancellation decision.
Other commenters raised similar concerns about process and transparency. The board said staff — Superintendent Hunt or his designee (Miss Buchanan was named as a potential follow‑up contact) — would follow up with parents within 72 hours and that questions about personnel or detailed program decisions would be addressed outside the public‑meeting forum in accord with board policy. Several speakers lauded the district and individual teachers while urging clearer communication on program changes.
No formal board action to eliminate Page appears in the meeting minutes; the superintendent characterized the move as an administrative adjustment and promised staff outreach to affected families.
