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Republican Representative Max Miller of Ohio’s 7th District is voicing strong criticism against the Parma City School Board, urging the Department of Defense to step in promptly to halt what he describes as an “outrageous” effort to “remove” Air Force reservist Ashley McTaggart from her elected position.
Reports indicate that McTaggart, who is currently serving overseas, is at risk of being ousted from her school board seat.
Rep. Miller, who supported McTaggart during her successful 2023 campaign, has accused the board, which he characterizes as left-leaning, of employing questionable tactics to unseat the veteran while she is deployed.
“Since her election victory, the board has used every conceivable tactic to try to remove her, culminating in this attempt while she is serving overseas,” stated a visibly frustrated Miller on the social media platform X. “I am urging the [Department of Defense] to intervene and protect dedicated service members like Ashley from such unfair practices.”
“Since she has won the seat, the left-leaning board has pulled every trick in the book to try and remove her, culminating in an attempt to remove Ashley while she is deployed,” a clearly outraged Miller wrote on X. “I am calling on our [War Department] to intervene in this matter to protect our brave service members like Ashley from these types of abuses.”
In 2023 I was proud to endorse Ashley McTaggart for Parma school board. Since she has won the seat, the left leaning board has pulled every trick in the book to try and remove her, culminating in an attempt to remove Ashley while she is deployed. I am calling on our @DeptofWar to… pic.twitter.com/Dg5b4hhQIP
— Max Miller (@MaxMillerOH) March 29, 2026
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The left-leaning Parma City School Board is actively pushing to oust McTaggart from her seat by exploiting a quirk in Ohio law that strictly prohibits school board members from attending meetings or voting virtually—even while on military deployment.
With the Air Force reservist currently serving overseas and unable to appear in person, Board President Tammie Sebastian and Vice President Brittany Kurpik called a special meeting last week to debate declaring her seat vacant after an extended absence.
“To be honest with you, I’m just going to be completely transparent, I don’t know — we really don’t know — the amount of time that this board member is going to (be) away,” Sebastian said. “I’m not sure.”
While most level-headed beings would have some understanding of the extraordinary circumstances, the duo claims they need legal guidance to ensure “regular attendance and participation.” They claim there is no effort to remove McTaggart from the board.
That said, this statement from Sebastian doesn’t sound like some innocent inquiry.
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.
Sebastian’s statement to WKYC-3 claims the controversy stems from misinformation among the public.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
If the plan doesn’t involve taking action, what are we reviewing here? Well, according to WJW-TV in Cleveland, the meeting consisted of board members discussing “what they can do about a vacancy on the board, essentially deciding if they can declare her seat vacant and appoint someone else to fill her term.”
In other words, when they say they aren’t pursuing action against McTaggart, they’re full of it.
Fellow Parma City School District Board of Education member Nick Reyes doesn’t seem convinced that the legal analysis is a harmless endeavor. He issued a statement in defense of the Air Force veteran.
“It is also my position that (McTaggart’s) seat on the Board should remain secure while she is deployed,” Reyes said. “At a time like this, the focus should be on what matters most — the shared goal of improving student achievement.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parma City School Board held virtual meetings and allowed remote participation and voting under a temporary statewide Ohio law. Nobody batted an eye at the time. But a veteran whose views may differ from the Board’s leadership is suddenly being heavily scrutinized.
It’s not like she’s actively avoiding votes and meetings while on a family vacation. Ashley is doing her best to work with the board while fulfilling her duties to this nation. That should be enough for Parma. It’s time to stop playing games.
While McTaggart defends America overseas, her own school board is trying to stab her in the back. Rep. Miller is right — it’s time for the War Department to take a look at this situation, and if necessary, step in and end this disgrace.
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