(3-28-26) The situation in Parma City Schools (Ohio) involves elected school board member Ashley McTaggart, a U.S. Air Force reservist (Staff Sgt., former medic) and conservative voice on the board. She was endorsed in past cycles for emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Tension grows in Parma as school board debates military deployment, virtual attendance for Ashley McTaggart

Background

McTaggart is currently on active duty deployment overseas. She has attended board meetings virtually when possible and has not resigned. A special board meeting on March 27, 2026, addressed whether she can continue participating remotely during her deployment and whether her seat could be declared vacant if her absence extends.

The recent discussion at a Parma BOE meeting raised the question of whether McTaggart could be removed from the office she was elected to if her absence extends long enough. Board legal counsel David Rose told members that under Ohio law, school boards are not permitted to hold virtual meetings and board members may not attend or vote remotely, even while on leave.

Ohio law allows board vacancies under specific conditions: death, resignation, removal, or extended absence of at least 90 days followed by a board vote. The discussion included legal questions about virtual/remote attendance for deployed military members, but no final decision to remove her was reported in available coverage—the meeting ended without resolution on her status.

Nick Reyes, a fellow Parma City School District Board of Education member, offered remarks in support of McTaggart:

Board President Tammie Sebastian

“The Board of Education called the recent special meeting to ensure we are meeting our legal and governance responsibilities, specifically as they relate to board member attendance, participation, and voting during potentially extended absences.

“This meeting was not about any change in board membership or status. It was about gaining clarity on what is permitted under Ohio law and applicable board policy, and how the board can continue to function effectively while respecting individual circumstances.

“We have the utmost respect for those who serve our country, and that has never been in question. At the same time, individuals elected to serve on a board of education have an obligation to the community to maintain regular attendance, actively participate in meetings and committee work, and engage in district governance. Fulfilling those responsibilities requires clear and consistent communication.

“At this time, there has been limited communication regarding attendance and availability, including for board meetings, committee meetings, and district events. Without that information, it becomes difficult to plan for quorum, carry out votes, and fulfill our responsibilities to students, staff, and the community.

“The purpose of the special meeting was to provide an opportunity to clarify whether a board member has the ability to participate during a leave, including questions around virtual participation and voting, and to ensure the board remains in compliance with Ohio law and applicable board policy.

“We are also aware that some details being shared publicly, including timelines related to travel and deployment, have created confusion and do not fully align with the information previously provided to the board. Out of respect for individual privacy, we will not comment further on those details.

“Unfortunately, some of the information being shared publicly has not fully reflected the purpose of that meeting, which has led to confusion in the community.

“We want to be clear: the board is not currently pursuing any action related to a change in board membership. Our focus remains on transparency, accountability, and ensuring the board can continue to serve the district effectively.”