Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: dr. amy crouse

  • Auditor of State’s criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District

    Auditor of State’s criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District

    There was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges

    (Read the District’s public response at the end of this story)

    Loveland, Ohio – The Special Investigations Unit of the Ohio Auditor of State has released the results of a criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District based on “improper spending of public funds”. The investigation began in March 2020, after receiving complaints from a District resident. It was alleged that the District used operating funds in support of a levy campaign. After reviewing information from interviews and preliminary examination of records, a special audit was undertaken by the Auditor.

    Background:

    Dr. Amy Crouse was Superintendent during this time and Kevin Hawley was the Treasurer. The Board President was Art Jarvis; also on the Board at the time was Eileen Washburn, Ned Portune, Michele Pettit, and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz.

    The District engaged in two one-year contracts with Allerton Hill Consulting (AHC), dated March 20, 2018 and March 19, 2019, to “assist with its communication needs and provide a strategic communication marketing and outreach plan”.

    The first contract, costing $73,000, included an agreement that AHC would conduct a “satisfaction” survey using a third-party pollster. A second contract cost $60,000 as it did not include an agreement that AHC would conduct a survey.

    The District summarily canceled the second contract on November 22, 2019. Among the objectives contained within each of these contracts, was a goal to “offer high-quality, long-term, strategic communications, marketing and outreach plan so the District is successful in future public initiatives”.

    “This intimates services provided to aid the passage of a tax levy”, according to the Auditor’s report.

    While there was no levy issue during the first contract period, the District did seek to pass ballot initiatives in both November 2019 and March 2020.

    The 2019 ballot initiative was to pursue a 16.78-mill combined operating and permanent improvement/bond levy including buying approximately 110-acres of land – part of a property known as Grailville. Proposed was a new campus at Grailville for all Pre-K through fifth-grade students and other District wide facility improvements.

    Pursuant to the initial AHC Contract, Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. (Fallon) was hired to conduct a survey in May 2018 of 303 randomly selected residents of the District. This contract cost $13,000 and was inadvertently paid twice by the District: once as part of the AHC contract and a second time directly to Fallon, resulting in a double-payment.

    Additionally, the District subsequently hired Fallon to conduct a survey in March 2019 of 301 registered voters at a cost of $15,000. The first survey contained two general questions regarding how the District spends funds received from tax payers, while the second survey contained three questions that appeared to the investigators “partially designed to aid in the passage of a levy”. These questions provided different funding scenarios with detailed millage options to gauge the likelihood of community support if placed on the ballot.

    Findings

    Based on the special audit procedures and investigation, the Auditor of State confirmed noncompliance as well as a double-payment of survey costs by the District.

    The audit report said, “We issued $13,000 in a finding for recovery for illegally spent funds as well as a management recommendation related to noncompliance regarding contracts partially advocating for the passage of a levy”

    The full details of the finding for recovery and management recommendation are located in the Appendix below.

    Prosecution

    At the conclusion of the special audit and investigation, the special audit results were reviewed by an Auditor of State attorney, who determined there was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges.

    ______________

    Loveland City School District’s public response

    Joint Statement regarding Ohio Auditor of State finding

    “Loveland City School District fully cooperated with the Auditor of State’s office and appreciates their work to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and district processes. The investigation relates to actions taken nearly six years ago under previous district leadership,” Loveland City School District Board of Education President Jonathan Eilert stated.

    “The current board and administration have reviewed and discussed the statutory requirements surrounding levies to mitigate future issues. I appreciate the Auditor of State resolving this matter with no penalties towards the district or the previous leadership,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.

    “The payment in question was resolved, to the district’s benefit, nearly three years ago.  The district has put into place processes and software to protect against errant payments and remains committed to fiscal responsibility,” Treasurer John Espy said.

  • Resignations and building re-alignment mean big adjustments for Loveland Schools

    Resignations and building re-alignment mean big adjustments for Loveland Schools

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Several administrative staff resignations, including the resignation of former Superindant Dr. Amy Crouse, the re-arrangement of 1st grade classrooms, and additional full-day kindergarten opportunities will bring significant change to the Loveland City School District this Fall.

    Photo of Julie Carter
    Julie Carter will be the next principal of Loveland Intermediate School

    Julie Carter, will be the principal of Loveland Intermediate School beginning this fall. She is currently serving as the Assistant Principal and will be taking over for Garth Carlier, as he becomes the new Director of Human Resources for Loveland City Schools.

    Carlier will fill the position vacant because of the resignation of the current Director of Human Resources, Charles Ogdan who has been hired by the Mt. Healthy School District for a similar position.

    Garth Carlier is the current Principal of the Loveland Intermediate School and will become the new Director of Human Resources

    Superintendent Finalists announced

    CF Educational Solutions has been assisting the district in the search process for the next Superintendent. The District says they received broad interest in the position from across the country. Bradley Neavin was hired in January to lead the District after the resignation of Dr. Amy Crouse until a person could be hired to lead the District this Fall and into 2022.

    Crouse resigned last December and was hired as the founding Principal of the new Citizens of the World Charter Schools in Madisonville.

    The Board and members of a Community Advisory Group (CAG) were given a list of anonymous profiles to consider in a new Superintendent. They narrowed the list down to seven candidates who were interviewed by the Board in executive sessions this week. The Board and the Community Advisory Group also worked together on the interview format and questions to present to the candidates. The Community Advisory Group is made up of members of the Loveland community, district staff, and parents.

    A release by the District said the Board and the CAG reached “very similar conclusions about which candidates to interview.”

    A final pool of three caucasian, male candidates was released Wednesday afternoon to lead the outer-suburban Cincinnati school District and its all-White central office, school administrative team, and Board of Education. This announcement comes three weeks after the Board adopted a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion. (Loveland City Schools adopt Statement on Diversity)

    The finalists are:

    The community is invited to a Virtual Community Engagement Session on Tuesday, May 18 at 6 PM. Each of the candidates will speak individually. The Board would like community members to submit questions for the candidates in advance of the meeting. Submit questions here.

    Information about access to the Virtual Community Engagement Session will be posted on the Loveland City Schools Board of Education webpage prior to the Tuesday, May 18 meeting. 

    In-Person Learning For Fall 

    The District has announced that due to a lack of interest “from our families” there will be no Remote Academy for the 2021-2022 school year.

    “In the months ahead, we will be watching for the latest state guidance on health and safety protocols and adapting as necessary. We will continue to accommodate students with special health concerns, as we have in prior years. Families with specific concerns should reach out to their building principal.” 

    Masking for Fall 

    The District said in a communication to parents that they have received several questions from parents about masking and other restrictions for the fall. The release said:

    “It is simply too soon for us to predict what will be expected; however, based on the communication from parents, we are working on a strategy to engage decision-makers at the state level for more specific guidance to ensure that our parents’ voices are heard.” 

    “At this point, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have not issued any new orders or guidance for how schools should operate during the 2021-2022 school year. DeWine has stated that when COVID cases drop to fewer than 50 per 100,000 people for two weeks, all health orders will be lifted across Ohio.” 

    “With increasing vaccination rates and lower case numbers, many things can change between now and the new school year in mid-August. We have been committed to providing a safe learning environment while supporting our students’ academic growth. We are hopeful that when we welcome students back after the summer break, everyone will be able to see the smiles on our faces.”

    Changes for Early Learners

    Loveland Early Childhood Center

    At the Board of Education meeting on April 20 the district announced that they will be implementing an additional full-day kindergarten section for the 2021-2022 school year. 

    Immediately after students leave for summer break, work will begin at LPS and LES to accommodate the changes. Some classroom spaces will be remodeled and modular units will be used for classrooms and additional office space. The District plans to maximize every available space in LPS and LES to serve students of the same grade level all in one location. 

    Changes include the implementation of an additional full-day kindergarten section at LECC. This change will allow the district to eliminate the current lottery system that is now used for assigning access to full-day or half-day kindergarten offerings. For the 2021-2022 school year, LECC will be offering 7 sections of full-day kindergarten and 6 sections of half-day kindergarten. 

    Tuition for full-day kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year will be $385 per month.

    There will be a realignment of grades involving LECC and LPS. All of Loveland’s first-grade classrooms will be on the LPS campus beginning in the fall. Currently, there are first-graders at both LECC and LPS. After the realignment, the Head Start Program, our preschool, and our kindergarten students will all be together on the LECC campus, while our first and second-grade students will be together on the LPS campus. 

    Andrea Conner, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning said, “By bringing all of our first-grade students together on one campus, our first-grade staff will have more opportunities for a more collaborative approach in addressing the needs of our youngest learners while sharing valuable resources.” 

    Director of Student Services will leave

    Eric Dool

    Eric Dool, the Director of Student Services has announced that he will be taking another job. Dools job responsibilities included, Student Health and Wellness, Student Safety, Special Education and Related Services, Section 504 Accommodation PlansTitle I, Reading Intervention, English as a Second Language (ESL) – Title III,  Homelessness, and  Student Attendance. 

    New High School Principal

    Loveland High School
    Adam Reed

    Peggy Johnson announced her retirement at the end of January after 39 years in education and 6 years as Principal of Loveland High School (LHS).

    Thirty-nine-year-old Wyoming High School Principal, Adam Reed, who is entering his 17th year in education was recently announced as Johnson’s successor for the 2021-2022 school year. (Meet Adam Reed the next leader for Loveland High School)

    New common entrance branding proposed for Loveland Intermediate and Middle School Campus

  • To tamp down rumors: Statement from Superintendent of Schools

    To tamp down rumors: Statement from Superintendent of Schools

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland School Superintendent Bradley Neavin has asked Loveland Magazine to send the below message to the community about a situation yesterday at the Loveland Middle School.

    In a phone call, Neavin said, “The situation is being investigated. It is being handled. We’ve pulled our resources together, including our outside resources which include our resource officers and everybody is safe.”

    LMS Safety Update

    Tiger Family –

    We wanted to update you on a situation involving Loveland Middle School. Yesterday, the school administration was informed of a safety concern involving one of our students. This situation was reported to the school administration and an investigation, involving school and central administration, student support personnel, and the school resource officer in collaboration with the Loveland City Police Department, was initiated.

    In communication with the parents of the student, the situation was addressed and per the investigation, Loveland Middle School was determined to be safe.

    Thank you for your continued cooperation and collaboration.

  • [VIDEO] Interview with Loveland’s new Superintendent of Schools

    [VIDEO] Interview with Loveland’s new Superintendent of Schools

    by David Miller

    David Miller is the Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District recently hired Bradley Neavin to serve as Superintendent. Neavin’s contract runs from February 10 until the Board hires a permanent superintendent, or until July 3.

    Neavin’s first official day begins on Wednesday, however, he sat for an interview this morning from the Board office via Zoom so we could introduce him to the community and ask a few questions about his role in the District in the coming months.

    The Steubenville native chatted with me about the Steelers/Browns/Bengals, and the Ohio University Marching 110. We also talked about the funding in Governor DeWine’s proposed K-12 education budget, the Ohio Legislature’s attempt to fix school funding, and DeWine’s goal of re-opening Ohio’s schools on March 1. And, more…

    Superintendent Neavin can be reached at neavinbr@lovelandschools.org or (513) 683-5600.

  • School Board hires Bradley Neavin as Interim Superintendent

    School Board hires Bradley Neavin as Interim Superintendent

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – In a unanimous vote last evening the Loveland School Board hired (pending contract approval) Bradley Neavin as an Interim Superintendent until a permanent replacement for Dr. Amy Crouse can be found.

    In an answer to the question of what Neavin will be paid, Board President Kathy Lorenz told Loveland Magazine this afternoon that, Neavin’s “contract details will most likely be approved next week at a special meeting.”

    Crouse’s last day is February 9. She resigned in December. Neavin will begin working on February 10.

    Speaking on the selection of a permanent superintendent, Lorenz said, “I believe we will begin with a search as early as February 2nd in a scheduled work session.”

    Neavin most recently served as Superintendent of Vandalia-Butler City Schools from 2013-2017. From 2007-2013 he served as Superintendent of Eaton Community Schools. Neavin has spent 32 years in education as a superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and band director before retiring in 2017.

    Neavin’s LinkedIn profile says he is retired and was an account executive with Energy Optmizers, USA from September of 2017 until October 2018 and lives in Eaton, Ohio.

    Bradley Neavin’s Education:

    Ohio University ( Bachelor of Music Education) 1980 – 1985

    Miami University in Oxford (Superintendent Licensure and Education Leadership) 2003 – 2007

    Wright State University (Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration) 1997 – 1999

    Graduated from Steubenville High School in 1980

  • Loveland schools want feedback

    Loveland schools want feedback

    Loveland, Ohio – Julie Dunn the administrative assistant in the board of education office asked Loveland Magazine to share this information to the broader community.

    The Board of Education is seeking input from staff, families and the community on their “commitments for the 2021-2022 school year”.

    Dunn asks that you please review the current LCSD Board Commitments (below) and provide feedback through answering the questions. The survey will remain open until Wednesday, January 20 at 9 AM.

    Take the survey here.  

  • Lorenz re-elected Board President of Loveland District

    Lorenz re-elected Board President of Loveland District

    This story was up-dated at 12: 28 PM as we received a comment from Dr. Lorenz

    Loveland, Ohio – Dr. Kathryn Lorenz was re-elected Board President last night at a meeting of the Loveland City School District Board of Education.

    Kevin Dougherty (Provided Photo)

    Kevin Dougherty was chosen by fellow Board members to replace Michele Pettit as Vice-President.

    The Board postponed the previously announced executive session (for last night) to discuss the hiring of an interim Superintendent. The session will now be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 6 PM when they will have a “virtual” meeting. Dr. Amy Crouse resigned as Superintendent on December 17.

    UP-DATE at 12:28 PM: Dr. Lorenz just sent Loveland Magazine this comment: “I am honored by the comments made by board members, suggesting that they would like me to continue facilitating the administrative work of board meetings. I know that all board members are equal and I know that the board President is simply the board member who helps by running the meetings and facilitating some communication with the district administration and the public at large.”

  • DeWine relaxes guidance for COVID 19 classroom quarantine

    DeWine relaxes guidance for COVID 19 classroom quarantine

    “Students and teachers exposed to a COVID-positive person in school are no longer required to quarantine as long as the exposure occurred in a classroom setting and all students/teachers were wearing masks and following other appropriate protocols.”

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that Ohio is changing its guidance regarding quarantines following an in-classroom exposure in K-12 schools. The Ohio Department of Health said, “Moving forward, students and teachers exposed to a COVID-positive person in school are no longer required to quarantine as long as the exposure occurred in a classroom setting and all students/teachers were wearing masks and following other appropriate protocols.”

    The change follows an evaluation of virus spread in Ohio schools conducted by researchers with the Ohio Schools COVID-19 Evaluation Team. Preliminary results of the evaluation found no discernable difference in the risk of contracting the coronavirus between those in close contact with a COVID-positive person in the classroom and those who were farther away.  

    Loveland Magazine has reached out to Loveland Superintendent, Dr. Amy Crouse and the District health team to inquire whether the District will adopt DeWine’s newest protocol, however, neither are available for immediate response. (Thank you for your email. Our offices are closed through Sunday, January 3, 2021.  I am out of the office with limited access to email.)

    Loveland school students return to the classroom on Monday, January 4.

    “This evaluation confirms for us that Ohio’s classrooms are a safe place for our students and that the commitment our schools have made to keeping kids safe in the classroom is working,” said DeWine.

    Schools should continue to require quarantines for exposed students in situations where masking and distancing protocols were not followed. The updated quarantine guidance does not apply to after-school activities, including sports, according to the new guidelines.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in early December new quarantine guidelines for people who were exposed to coronavirus, reducing the length of time from 14 days to 10 days without symptoms or seven days with no symptoms and a negative test. The Loveland School District announced on December 4 that they would implement these less stringent quarantine requirements.

    Meanwhile: The Associated Press reports that California has the nation’s 2nd confirmed case of a new and apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus. Read on…

    Here is the last Covid 19 Dashboard that was published by the District (12/12/20 -12/18/20) right after classes dismissed for Winter Break:


    Statewide Curfew extended for another three weeks

    The Ohio Department of Health is extending the 10 PM to 5 AM statewide curfew for another three weeks until January 23. Governor Mike DeWine said, “This is b/c we don’t yet know what effect the holidays may have on our hospitals and health care systems, so we must continue to be cautious.”

  • Loveland Intermediate/Middle campus will be in “Hybrid” when they return

    Loveland Intermediate/Middle campus will be in “Hybrid” when they return

    LIS/LMS Make Temporary Switch to Hybrid After Winter Break 

    Loveland, Ohio – Winter Break began yesterday afternoon for the Loveland schools. Students will return to class on January 4.

    The District announced in their weekly newsletter on Friday afternoon that schedule changes have being put in place for the Loveland Intermediate School (LIS) and Loveland Middle School (LMS) after the return from Winter Break. 

    LIS and LMS will move to hybrid learning from January 4 through January 14. There will be no changes for any other grade levels and no changes for the Remote Learning Academy learners.

    The announcement said that after noticing an increase in community spread of COVID-19 after the Thanksgiving Break, and looking at the results of a recent survey, the decision was made to limit in-person learning for grades 5-8 after Winter Break. They also say that the family survey data did not indicate a need to adjust the learning model PK-4, “Therefore, Loveland Early Childhood Center, Loveland Primary School, and Loveland Elementary School will return on January 4 at the full capacity model.”

    The District COVID 19 Dashboard published on 12/18/2020

    Loveland High School is currently in hybrid, with plans to return to five-day, in-person learning at the start of the second semester on January 19.

    In a “hybrid model”, schools operate at reduced capacity with students alternating between in-person and remote learning activities at home. To purpose is to keep class sizes smaller and increase physical distancing space between individuals.

    The newsletter also included this message from the District’s health services staff

    As your children head home on December 18, please remember it is not only what they do at school that matters, but outside their school day that also counts (actually our data is showing it matters most). Remember “The Bundle” there too – masks, distancing, and hand-washing. January will be our biggest challenge yet and we know that what everyone does in the next few weeks will help determine how things go. Stay aware when you are around others remembering that distance is your friend and that wearing a mask is your way of saying to others that you care. Months down the road, we will have the opportunity again to gather and hang out, but for now, be intentional about this.

  • COVID 19 report for Loveland Schools

    COVID 19 report for Loveland Schools

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are the latest COVID 19 reports provided by the Loveland School District.

    Winter break begins this Friday, December 18 and classes will be back in session on Monday, January 4.

    K-12 Instructions for Families and Students when Quarantined

    • On 12/12/20, a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member, last at work on 12/9/20
    • On 12/12/20, a teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at work on 12/11/20
    • On 12/12/20, a non-teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/7/20
    • On 12/14/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/9/20
    • On 12/14/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/11/20
    • On 12/14/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/10/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/10/20
    • On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/8/20
    • On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/7/20
    • On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/8/20
    • On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/8/20
    • On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/10/20
    • On 12/11/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/7/20
    • On 12/9/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Primary School, last at school on 11/30/20
    • On 12/9/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 11/30/20
    • On 12/9/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/7/20
    • On 12/9/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/3/20
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/3/20
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/3/20
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/3/30
    • On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/8/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/3/20
    • On 12/4/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/2/20
    • On 12/5/20, a non-teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/2/20
    • On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20
    • On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20
    • On 12/6/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 11/30/20
    • On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at school on 12/1/20
    • On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/7/20, an non-teaching staff member at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
    • On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20
    • On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/1/20
    • On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/1/20
    • On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/30/20
    • On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20
    • On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20
    • On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/30/20
    • On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 12/02/20