PARMA, Ohio -- Declining enrollment may force the closing of a Parma elementary school, but parents with children at Pleasantview School say it won't happen without a fight.

The intersection of Pleasant Valley and York roads in Parma is one reason parents don't want the school to close, because they say it is dangerous.

Parma schools have almost 800 fewer elementary school students than they did 15 years ago and they're expected to soon lose another 700.

Superintendent Sarah Zatik is recommending Pleasantview's closure, and Parkview student would also move to make way for special education students if Arlington School is closed.

"We really need to consolidate. Voters tell us to cut back, trim the budget," said Zatik.

Parma schools are already looking at drastic cuts if a levy doesn't pass next May. The consolidation would save another $1.2 million a year.

But Pleasantview is rated excellent by the state and some students would have to cross the busy intersection to get to their new school.

Parents don't like the plan.

"I'm going to fight this as long as God gives me breath," said parent Sandy Spencer.

Zatik said the students will be going to schools that are either excellent or on the verge.

"I understand the emotional attachment. But the community is crying out for us to do what's fiscally responsible. We need to do that in these economic times," she said.

The school district recognizes that York and Pleasant Valley is a busy intersection but said it will work with the city to make sure there is adult supervision when the children are crossing.

There will be two town hall meetings about the plan, Dec. 2 at Parma High School and Dec. 11 at Valley Forge High School.