What Kind Of Community Do We Want to Be?

Investing in Our Schools Is Investing in Our Future

I recently had the privilege of attending the Seven Hills Memorial Day Parade, where one of my dear friends from the Parma Senior High Class of 1986—Colonel Rocky Favarito, retired United States Air Force—served as Grand Marshal and keynote speaker.

Before the event, I texted a few classmates and said, We need to show up for Rocky—to honor everything he’s done for our country. When I saw him, I gave him a big hug, welcomed him home, thanked him for his service, and told him, with all sincerity, that the cities of Parma and Seven Hills are proud of him.

Looking around the crowd, I saw many fellow Parma Senior High alumni—men and women who went on to build successful careers in public service, health care, law, business, and beyond. Some even own thriving small businesses. And I found myself reflecting: What was it that helped so many of us succeed? The answer is simple—our strong foundation in the Parma City School District.

That’s why it’s heartbreaking that voters in Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills defeated the school tax increase on May 6, 2022. According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, the levy failed by a vote of 8,947 (59.28%) to 6,147 (40.72%).

Communities that invest in their schools see rising home values, greater safety, and long-term growth. Families are drawn to districts that prioritize education. Strong schools are the backbone of strong communities.

I worry about what happens if we continue to turn our backs on public education. Will future generations of students have the same opportunities we had? Will we still produce citizens like Colonel Favarito—people who make their communities and their country proud?

To the residents of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills: we must ask ourselves what kind of community we want to build for our children and for the future. Supporting public education isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. It’s an investment in all of us.