U. S. News has released its annual report on the nation’s high schools.
Ohio had 732 school districts supporting 902 high schools in the 2017-18 academic year. Students are assessed via mathematics and English proficiency tests.
Loveland High School is ranked 55th within Ohio out of 902 schools.
Ohio high school students must earn at least 20 credits in various subjects, including four credits of English language arts, four of math, three of science, and three of social studies. High schoolers in Ohio must also learn economics and financial literacy to graduate, as well as take two or more semesters of fine arts, according to the Ohio Department of Education.
Loveland High School is ranked 55th within Ohio. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Loveland High School is 50%. The total minority enrollment is 7%, and 11% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Mary Frees (front center) was recognized for her work serving individuals with autism and their families at “Faces of Autism” on March 5. Left to right: Heidi Terselic, Donna Ernst, Jane Miller, Lara Ferrer, Joe Frees, Taylor Reid, Mary Frees, Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Dr. Amy Crouse, Helen Jones, Michelle Grafflin and Jennifer Forren.
Loveland, Ohio – The Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) of Southwest Ohio celebrated its 20th anniversary in March with “Faces of Autism”- an event presented in collaboration with Autism Society Greater Cincinnati to recognize autism “ambassadors and unsung heroes” in the region. Mary Frees, an intervention specialist at Loveland Elementary School (LES), was among those honored for their work serving individuals with autism and their families.
“When I learned about this special recognition, I was shocked, but felt so valued for doing what I love,” said Frees. “This just motivates and energizes me to continue to accomplish more for my students with autism and other special needs. My students make my job enjoyable each day and push me further to continue to learn more about this ever-changing field of special education.”
The Faces of Autism Unsung Hero nominees were selected for going above and beyond the expectations of their jobs in advocating for acceptance, community inclusion, relationship building, and community impact. 12 educators were recognized, two of whom represent public school districts – Loveland and Sycamore Schools.
“Mary is an outstanding educator who works tirelessly for her students, going above and beyond on a daily basis,” said LES Principal Jen Forren. “She works to ensure that her students and their families have an excellent experience at LES, both academically and socially. She established an ambassador program that matches her students with other students in the building to help them work on their social skills and it has been very impactful for everyone involved.”
Faces of Autism was presented by RAAC and the Autism Society Greater Cincinnati in partnership with several other organizations, including Cincinnati Children’s, Linden Grove School, and the Heidt Center of Excellence by The Children’s Home, among others.
About the Autism Society Greater Cincinnati and the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC)
The Autism Society Greater Cincinnati is a leading resource and advocate for the local autism community, working to improve the lives of all who are affected by autism through education, support, and services. RAAC leads community partnerships to plan, develop, and implement a vibrant continuum of services that meets the lifelong needs of individuals with autism, their families, and those who serve them. The Advisory Council facilitates task forces on a range of subjects, such as early intervention, educational identification, and adult services.
Loveland, Ohio – With “Summary/Unofficial” results, the Loveland City School District operating levy of 6.95 mills is failing in all three counties as of 6:30 AM Wednesday morning.
All mail-in ballots and provisional ballots will still have to be tabulated in the days to come. The mail-in ballots needed a postmark of April 27, so some of those ballots will still have to be received from the Post Office. Validly cast provisional ballots also will need to be tabulated.
Hamilton County says they will need 2-3 weeks to publish final results.
Clermont County
YES – 1,988
NO – 2,741
Hamilton County
YES – 1780
NO – 2921
Warren County
YES 76
NO 104
TOTAL
YES – 3844
NO – 5766
In a statement posted on the District web site, Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse said, “We accept the outcome and respect the decision voters made, but this is a devastating loss for our schools. At this time of national and global uncertainty, we will also prepare to start the new school year in August with a significantly reduced budget, which will directly impact programs, class size, and services to our students. In addition, we will have to start preparing to go back on the ballot. This is unfortunately how school funding works in Ohio.”
As of this morning, the “Loveland Voice” Political Action Committee has not issued a statement only posting preliminary results on their FaceBook page. Loveland Voice had organized to actively oppose the levy.
The District statement also said:
In addition to the $2.7 million in expense reductions already made in 2019, significant cuts will be made to the operating budget in the coming months. These reductions include, among others, the elimination of at least 25 administrative, teaching and non-teaching staff positions, and the elimination of high school busing.
“Yes for Loveland” the Political Action Committee supporting the school levy posted this message on their FaceBook page 3 hours ago:
According to current results, it appears the Loveland Community has voted to NOT pass the Operating Levy. Official results will be reported in 2 – 3 weeks.
We appreciate all of your hard work and support this year. We understand we have to rally together once again to find the answer to funding the district for our children. We will do this together.
Seeing the out pour of love for one another and the care of our community gives us all hope in this time of a pandemic. Continue to support and take care of one another. We’re all in this together!
Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) informed member schools, including the Loveland City School District Monday, April 20th, that Spring sports would officially be canceled. This decision was made after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced earlier the same day that school facilities would remain closed for the rest of the academic year due to the coronavirus COVID-19.
OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass sent out a memo confirming to school administrators following Governor DeWine’s press conference about the Spring sports cancellation. For weeks, the OHSAA communicated that if schools remained closed for the year Spring sports would be canceled as well. Of course, there were several reasons that went into the final decision of Spring sports being canceled, one of the main reasons being that it would be nearly impossible to ensure the health and safety of all individuals and support personnel involved in practices and contests at all member schools.
OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass
“As we have stated in our previous communications, today’s announcement by Governor DeWine to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year also will now result in the cancellation of OHSAA-sponsored spring sports seasons including tournaments,” Snodgrass wrote Monday.
The OHSAA’s mandatory no-contact period for all interscholastic sports will remain in effect until at least May 3, and could in fact be extended until a later date. Coaches and school administrators have been encouraged to have non-mandatory electronic and online communications with their student-athletes during the no-contact period. The closure of school facilities includes all athletic facilities for any interscholastic training, practice, or competition.
In an interview Monday afternoon, Snodgrass reflected on the unprecedented times that the pandemic has brought to the nation and the impact it has had on schools and interscholastic athletics.
“I’ve heard from so many people who have said ‘You really need to understand what this means to our kids,’” Snodgrass said during the interview. “I’m a parent. I was a coach. I grew up every day as a player and a coach wanting to play high school sports and get to the state tournament. So I do think I understand that. I also have to go with the fact that my number one concern that I have, over everything, is the health and safety of everyone involved. It’s not just our student-athletes. It’s the parents, coaches, umpires, officials, the scorekeepers. All those things enter into this. It’s a tough decision and it’s one that I and all the other Executive Directors of the other states never thought we would have to do. Never did I think this would be the case, but I’ve tried to be as prepared as I could every step of the way.”
Snodgrass also addressed the Summer and the start of Fall sports in the interview
“July is a very physical month for our student-athletes entering fall sports, so we have already started looking at, if this continues through the summer, we’ll have the potential of having a lot of kids who haven’t had the physical activity that they would normally have going into a fall season. So for the health and safety of everyone, we have to look at the acclimation periods going into the fall, if that happens. We have to be prepared for that. We’re also talking about that if this does go through the summer, what is the likelihood that a student can get in to get a physical (annual medical exam). We have a sports medicine advisory group that is looking at that. They are looking at all aspects such as whether artificial surfaces need to be treated. We are relying on the advice of experts in our decision making.”
The OHSAA said that they will continue to communicate throughout the Spring and during the Summer regarding any adjustments to OHSAA’s off-season regulations, academic eligibility standards, sports medicine updates, and more. STAY TUNED!
Want a yummy way to Help OHSAA out of their scholarship shortfall?
WHAT Raising Cane’s Ohio and the OHSAA partnership to provide funding for student-athletes.
WHERE All Raising Cane’s locations in Ohio, a full list of Ohio Raising Cane’s locations can be found here.
WHEN Thursday, April 30, 2020.
The nearest location is at 3901 Montgomery Road in Deerfield Township near Menards
by Cassie Mattia
Deerfield Township, Ohio – Restaurant chain Raising Cane’s Ohio is raising money for scholarships! The popular chicken establishment recently entered into a partnership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) in order to provide funding for student-athlete scholarship programs and postseason tournaments.
The three-year partnership will kick off Thursday, April 30th, in which all Raising Cane’s restaurants across Ohio will donate 15 percent of their sales from 4 PM to close to the OHSAA scholarship project. Due to the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic that earlier this month canceled all of the OHSAA’s Winter State Tournaments as well as all Spring sports competitions, guests will have the ability to place their orders at the drive-thru.
The annual OHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Program, which provides more than $175,000 to college-bound seniors including many Loveland High School Tigers, was canceled this Spring partly due to the OHSAA’s lack of revenue from the tournaments.
Jerry Snodgrass, executive director of the OHSAA
“We cannot begin to thank Raising Cane’s enough for stepping up during these unprecedented times to help give back to the student-athletes across Ohio,” said Jerry Snodgrass, Executive Director of the OHSAA. “Our mission at the OHSAA begins with ‘to serve’ and we will be able to continue to do just that with partners like Raising Cane’s, who are committed to both education and active lifestyles. We get to see firsthand how those two directly impact communities, schools, and students across Ohio. We’re really excited to kick off this three-year partnership and forge what will be a special effort to positively impact students statewide.”
“Active lifestyle and education are two of our pillars of community involvement, when we found out various programming and scholarships could be lessened or taken away due to cancellations of championships from the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately reached out to the OHSAA to see how we could help,” said Matt Salts, Director of Marketing at Raising Cane’s Ohio. “We’re committed to team up with the OHSAA to help provide support for the next three years to help keep these key programs available to athletes across the state of Ohio.”
For the latest updates on Ohio’s sports world stay tuned to Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie Mattia!
After a totally unprecedented plan of action to safeguard the senior students, Newstead had just 3 days to cram in as much knowledge as she could, to try and pass her long case exam.
Paul and Sarina Newstead
by Paul Newstead
My wife Sarina told me about Loveland Magazine and I thought that this story about our daughter could be a little piece of happiness during these stressful times.
Our daughter Sabrina Newstead attended the Loveland school system from the time we moved to Loveland from England back in 1999. After graduating LHS in 2012, she attended Ohio Northern University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Biology Pre-Med) degree. She was then accepted into the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) for her Medical Degree program.
In the middle of March this year, the COVID-19 virus took hold in Ireland. RCSI thought that all graduation exams were going to have to be canceled since they were all due to be held this April. After a number of serious talks within RCSI, they decided upon a totally unprecedented plan of action to safeguard the senior students. In fact, they decided to bring forward all of their end of year medical school exams by 7 weeks! This had never happened before.
Sabrina Newstead attended the Loveland school system from the time we moved to Loveland from England back in 1999. She graduated from Loveland High School in 2012.
All the students were told about this. They had not even finished their classes and of course, had not even begun to revise for their end of year exams. Emotions were at fever pitch. To make matters worse, due to scheduling of the incredibly difficult “Long-Case” practical exams, Sabrina was told that her exams would start in just 3 days’ time on a Sunday.
She had just 3 days to cram in as much knowledge as she could, to try and pass her long case exam. All doctors, professors, and examiners were amazed. This news even hit the press in Ireland (Read the story in The Irish Times). Other colleges were laughing at RCSI thinking that they were overreacting. However, RCSI had the last laugh as the Irish government began to close schools and colleges.
Sabrina took her long case exam and was then told to pack up and leave Ireland as soon as possible because President Trump had declared that he was going to close international borders. She had less than 48 hours to pack up her 4-year apartment and leave the country.
‘Match Day’ (a day in which final year medical students find out if they have matched to a residency program in the states) was the day she was leaving Ireland, and if she did not match back to residency, she had to turn around and go back to Ireland to begin her intern year there. So she took a chance and came home.
She grabbed as much as she could and packed 3 suitcases.
She grabbed as much as she could and packed 3 suitcases. She managed to get the last flight out of Ireland bound for Boston and then Cincinnati. Her flight was delayed by 4 hours due to the new medical tests that were being performed in Boston. However, the flight eventually took off, and during the flight home, over the Atlantic, she received an email congratulating her for matching to the United States for her 3-year residency program.
Sabrina made it home and 4 days later.
Sabrina made it home and 4 days later found out that her new hospital for residency was The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Such great news for us all.
Once home, she spent the next 2 weeks studying 14 hours a day, in self-quarantine, in her bedroom. RCSI had two more final exams for her to take before she could graduate. She took these two exams and then finally clicked “End Exam” to finish the last exams of her medical school journey.
Students then wait anxiously for “Reading of results day” which was today, April 22nd. On this day, all graduating students in RCSI discover their results by reading student numbers based on their grades and degree awarded.
Sabrina was awarded a First Class Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, Bachelor’s Degree in Surgery, and Bachelor’s Degree in Obstetrics.
The celebration at home for Sabrina Newstead
It was incredible. RCSI did a live stream from their offices in Dublin, Ireland. Each of the professors spoke of their absolute admiration for the class of 2020. Never before has a graduating year taken their final medical exams with no prior time for studying.
She was awarded a First Class Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, Bachelor’s Degree in Surgery, and Bachelor’s Degree in Obstetrics.
Congratulations to all the new doctors graduating this year, during the middle of a pandemic. We all support you.
Loveland, Ohio – In honor of the Loveland High School Spring Athletes and Class of 2020, the lights of Tiger Stadium were turned on for 20 minutes last evening.
Watch this heartfelt video greeting that Principal Peggy Johnson recorded for the students about the tribute.
In honor of our Spring Athletes and Class of 2020. These lights are on for you this evening. We appreciate all your dedication and commitment. We miss you ALL! Forever, Go Tigers!
Great Oaks specializes in career and technical education for both high school students and adults. At four campuses, Great Oaks high school students prepare for careers and college, and adults get training and certification to begin a new career or advance in a current career.
Over 30 career programs are available for high school students living in 36 area school districts.
Adults can choose from a dozen full-time programs as well as part-time career certification classes and short-term classes for enjoyment and lifelong learning.
Welcome to Great Oaks Online Application for Sophomores. The following are instructions regarding the completion of this application:
You must be a high school student to apply. If you are not a high school student, please see adult education programs
If you do not attend school or reside in one of our affiliate school districts, click the following link for procedures on how to apply as an out of district student.
You must have your parent’s approval to complete this application
Most of our programs are designed for juniors and seniors in high school.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our programs or applying for Great Oaks programs, contact one of the career specialists below:
Loveland, Ohio – On April 7 the Loveland Board of Education held a work session using a remote meeting platform.
Here is a re-play of the meeting.
AGENDA
1.1 Adoption of Board Agenda
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
2. Superintendent Discussion Topics
2.1 Progress Report on Building Closure Due to COVID-19
2.2 Planning Commission
3. Superintendent Resolutions
3.1 Resolution declaring an emergency, suspending board policy related to public participation at board meetings, and authorizing remote meetings
A RESOLUTION DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, SUSPENDING BOARD POLICY RELATED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS, AND AUTHORIZING REMOTE MEETINGS
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-C0V-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person between individuals who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected persons coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible to contract COVID-19 through the touching of a surface that has the virus on it then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has declared a state of emergency with respect to the spread of the novel coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health has ordered that all K-12 schools be closed to students through 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020, and this order may be extended beyond that date; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Health has further ordered residents of the state to stay at home except to conduct essential business and prohibits public or private gatherings of more than ten individuals occurring outside a single household; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 197 was enacted on March 27, 2020 as an emergency measure which was designed to assist schools and other public bodies to maintain operations during this health emergency in a way that complies with orders issued by the state and federal government; and
WHEREAS, in order to permit the fair and orderly expression of public comment at its meetings, the Board has adopted a public participation policy; and
WHEREAS, while the Board intends to continue to conduct the business of Loveland City Schools and to keep the community informed of its discussions and decisions related to the official business of the District, the Board must also act to protect the health and safety of its members, staff, students and other community members who may enter on to school premises.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, that after careful consideration and evaluation of the information before it:
Section 1. The Board of Education hereby finds that an emergency exists with regard to the spread of a serious communicable disease, COVID-19.
Section 2.In order to prevent against the further spread of the novel coronavirus, the Board of Education hereby temporarily suspends its public participation policy, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board of Education.
Section 3.In order to enable the Board of Education to continue with District operations during the public health emergency,the Board of Education may meet telephonically or through other electronic means, including conference calls or other meeting technology to conduct the public business of the public body while emergency orders of the federal and/or state government are in effect limiting public gatherings. Members will be considered present regardless of whether they attend in person or remotely, and their votes shall be counted for the purpose of determining quorum. Such meetings will be properly noticed to the public through the established and usual method of notice to the public.
SECTION 4. In order to provide an opportunity for attendance by the public, news media, and any other person that has requested notification of meetings via the technology utilized will be made available to the extent reasonably possible and feasible. The means of technology and information on how to access the meeting as a member of the public will be made available. The Board of Education intends to fully honor its obligations under the Open Meetings Act (R.C. §121.22) through measures approved by House Bill 197 (2020).
Section 5.The Board of Education hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the adoption of this resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22, ORC and House Bill 197 (2020).
Section 6.This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately after its adoption and shall supersede any prior resolution or act of this Board of Education that may be inconsistent or duplicative with the provisions of this resolution.
3.2 Resolution for a Contingency Plan for the 2019-2020 school year in the event school is closed for more than the hours permitted under board policy and state law
CONTINGENCY PLAN
FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
IN THE EVENT SCHOOL IS CLOSED
FOR MORE THAN THE HOURS PERMITTED UNDER
BOARD POLICY AND STATE LAW
WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code §3313.48 mandates that a school district must be open for instruction with pupils in attendance for a minimum number of hours each school year; and
WHEREAS, R.C. §3313.482 authorizes a board of education to adopt a plan that permits students to make up missed hours of instruction via online/remote learning in the event that schools are closed for a disease epidemic or other reasons; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020), which was enacted on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency, authorizes the Loveland City School District Board of Education (the “Board”) to adopt a plan to provide for online learning opportunities for students to make up an unlimited number of hours in lieu of attendance on days when buildings are not open to students during the 2019-2020 school year in compliance with any order issued by the Ohio Director of Health and/or a local board of health; and
WHEREAS, the Board has developed a contingency plan in accordance with R.C. §3313.482 under which district students will make up any time missed through online instruction/remote learning that caused the district to fall below the minimum number of hours of instruction required by section 3313.48 of the Ohio Revised Code and Board Policy; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to adopt said plan; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020) also permits the Board to adjust the student grading criteria and the Board has determined it necessary to modify the method for student promotion and retention during this crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District that:
SECTION I
Pursuant to R.C. §3313.482 and House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby authorizes the following plan to allow students of the Loveland City School District to access and complete online/remote lessons in order to fulfill the required number of hours during the 2019-2020 school year:
Each teacher shall develop a sufficient number of lessons for the days and hours of closure.
Teachers will submit the lessons to the building principal for approval. The building principal will certify that the lessons are equal to or greater than the amount of instructional time the student missed.
As soon as practicable, the appropriate administrator will direct staff about how to make lessons available through a District approved website or other technology portal.
The teacher will be responsible for posting the lessons online.
Teachers will regularly assess the progress of students and will update or replace such lessons as necessary throughout the remainder of the school year based on the results of the assessments.
For students who experience difficulty accessing the online material or who do not have access to a computer, the Board hereby authorizes “blizzard bags” as needed, which are paper copies of the lessons/assignments posted. Teachers shall prepare paper copies approximating the content of the online lessons and shall update such paper copies when updating any of the online lessons. Blizzard bags will be distributed by school personnel or during scheduled pick up times. Printed copies of any graded lessons or assignments will be included in the blizzard bags.
This plan was shared with the teacher’s employee representative.
SECTION II
Should circumstances warrant a change in the plan during the 2019-2020 school year, this contingency plan may be amended by the Superintendent at any time in his or her discretion.
SECTION III
In order to provide appropriate educational opportunities to students through alternative methods, to allow promotion from grade-to-grade, and so not as to penalize students who determine to complete assignments through the offered alternative means, the Board temporarily suspends current Board Policy 5421 on the award of letter grades, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board. Any other Board Policy that is inconsistent with the action taken within Sections III and IV of this Resolution shall also be temporarily suspended until such time as Board Policy 5421 is reinstated.
SECTION IV
The Board authorizes the Superintendent and School Administration to develop and implement a system of pass/not pass grading for each course in grades 5-8 within the Loveland City Schools instructional program until such time as the Board restores the grading policy.
SECTION V
IT IS FOUND AND DETERMINED that all formal action of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution was adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board that resulted in such formal action were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.
3.3 Resolution delegating authority for determining it impracticable or impossible to evaluate employees due to COVID-19
RESOLUTION DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR DETERMINING IT IMPRACTICABLE OR IMPOSSIBLE TO EVALUATE EMPLOYEES
DUE TO COVID-19
WHEREAS, Board of Education of the Loveland City School District (the “Board”) employees are annually evaluated in accordance with Ohio statues and Board policies; and
WHEREAS, an Order of School Closure was issued by Ohio Department of Health Director Acton on March 14, 2020 and in response to the Order of School closure, House Bill 197 (2020) was enacted on March 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, language contained in HB 197 (2020) permits the Board to elect not to evaluate employees when it is deemed impossible or impractical to do so based on the implications of COVID-19.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District:
SECTION I
For the 2019-2020 school year, due to the Director of Health’s March 14th Order, or any extension of an order to close all kindergarten through 12th grade schools, and the language of House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby delegates authority to the Superintendent, Treasurer, or their individual designees to determine and deem it impossible or impracticable to conduct an evaluation of Board employees in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and Board policies.
SECTION II
It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.
3.4 Approve rescheduling of Board Meetings
Move the April 21, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to April 30, 2020
Move the May 5, 2020 Board of Education Work Session to May 12, 2020
Move the May 19, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to May 28, 2020
These meetings will all be conducted in a virtual format due to the extension of the “Stay at Home” order signed on 4/2/2020.
4. Treasurer Discussion Topics
4.1 Costs Related to the Building Closure Due to COVID-19
5. Treasurer Resolutions
5.1 Recommend to refund tuition for full day kindergarten for 50% of March and 100% for April
While many in Loveland are losing their jobs and their businesses, our school board persists in asking us to raise our taxes. As it stands today, they may very well get their way simply by virtue of low voter turnout. So, if you
Kim and Rick Donaldson live on Paxton Road in Miami Township
haven’t already done so, apply for an absentee ballot now. The primary election originally scheduled for March 17th is now by mail only. Completed ballots must be postmarked no later than midnight, April 27th or dropped off at your county board of elections by 7:00 PM April 28th. Since you will first need to apply to have a ballot mailed to you, there is no time to lose.
Now back to the original question: should our school taxes be increased? We are told that additional funding is needed to “protect our progress”. This would imply that past increases have improved district performance. However, according to Ohio Department of Education data, Loveland’s overall performance index score ranked in the top 15% of Ohio schools from 2010 through 2014, with correspondingly high overall grades. In 2015, Loveland’s performance dropped precipitously, nearly to the bottom 25%. Various explanations have been floated for this drop: Common Core implementation, testing changes, students opting out of testing, etc. Available data do not definitively show what the explanation is, but it does show what it isn’t: spending. Referring to the first chart, note that Loveland’s 2019 overall performance is virtually identical to its 2010 to 2014 performance, but expenditure per pupil is as much as 20% higher after adjusting for inflation.Also note that Loveland’s performance had already recovered to pre-2015 levels by 2018, before the big ramp-up in expenditure.
Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson
Since increased funding doesn’t seem to be improving our district’s rating, it is difficult to see exactly what progress we are protecting. Moreover, if we are to invest more of our hard-earned and increasingly scarce money in the schools, we expect to reap some benefit as a community. So far, our children don’t seem to have reaped the benefit of a better education and our property owners haven’t reaped the benefit of the appreciation that should result from a better-rated school system. However, there is one segment of the community who has reaped the benefit: teachers.
According to Ohio Department of Education data, presented in the second chart, Loveland’s average teacher salary was $63,566 in 2010, which was about average for an Ohio school district with similar demographics among both the community and the teachers. In 2019, Loveland’s average teacher salary had increased to $78,248, 10% above the comparable Ohio district average. Loveland’s average teacher salary has also risen faster than median income. In 2010, the average teacher salary was 28% above median income. By 2019 it had risen to 47% above median income. While some might argue that paying teachers more improves educational quality, Loveland’s teacher salary and performance trends do not support that claim. Statistical analysis of statewide trends also shows no practical benefit for paying teachers above-market salaries.
Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson
We do not question the quality, dedication or professionalism of Loveland teachers. Nor do we fault them for negotiating the most favorable compensation package they can. It is the responsibility of the board of education and administration to negotiate effectively on behalf of the Loveland community at large to deliver a high-quality education at a cost we can afford. Sadly, they do not seem to be doing an adequate job of cost control at a time when residents cannot afford to pay more.
While no one knows how severe the current economic downturn will be or how long it will last, we do know the proposed levy will cost property owners an additional $20 per month for each $100,000 of appraised value, forever. Under the circumstances, it would be appropriate for the Loveland School Board to withdraw the levy, and we wholeheartedly agree with those who have already called on them to do so. However, the board’s past behavior indicates they are unlikely to heed those calls. The only way we can stop this levy and impose fiscally responsibility is to get an absentee ballot and vote no.
by Cassie Mattia
![[Exclusive Video] April 7 meeting of the Loveland Board of Education](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/maxresdefault-1.jpg)
