LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: education

  • LHS Women XC Team is headed to STATE

    LHS Women XC Team is headed to STATE

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – “Congratulations to our girls cross country team on their fantastic season,” said Brian Conaster the Loveland High School Athletic Director.

    The Loveland High School Women’s cross country team qualified to compete for the Division I State Championship which will take place on Saturday, at the National Trail Raceway, in Hebron. The Women’s Division I race is at 12:30 PM.

    The Tigers placed 3rd in the Regional tournament this past Saturday at Troy High School. The 2019 state-bound Tigers team will consist of Emmy Sager, Jessie Gibbins, Sarah Madix, Ellie Carr, Audrey O’Keefe, Allyson Colegate, and Ansley Richards. Alternate Runners if needed will be, Maaike Snider, Ellie Zicka, Bella Dillhoff, and Skyler Daumeyer. Leading the Tigers to state will be head coach Steve Nester.

    “Our girls dedicated themselves to run against some of the toughest competition, not only in the state of Ohio but other top programs of other states too. They understand what it takes to be the best and are committed to getting there. They worked hard to be better than last year and have now set the new Tiger standard of excellence. Best of luck at State” added Conaster.

    The last time Loveland runners qualified as a team was in 2007 so this year will definitely be making Tiger school history!

    Meet the team by watching this interview I conducted last week before the team went to the Regionals

    42nd Girls State Cross Country Tournament. National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio

    Race Schedule

    Girls Div III – 11:00 AM

    Girls Div II – 11:45 AM

    Girls Div I – 12:30 PM

    Boys Div III – 1:30 PM

    Boys Div II – 2:15 PM

    Boys Div I – 3 PM

    National Trail Raceway is located at 2650 National Road SW Hebron, OH 43025

    School transportation and spectators should enter Gate A off State Route 40 and follow parking coordinator directions to designated parking.

    School spirit signs are permitted to be placed on facility fencing. Recommendation is for zip tied material. Taping of signs is not recommended.

    Spectator vehicles traveling from the east should exit I-70 at Exit 126 Rt. 37N entering the Campground Gate or Gate A on Route 40. When traveling from the west spectators must exit I-70 at Exit 122 Rt. 158N. Turn right onto Route 40. Enter Gate D. After parking for free, admission into the facility is $10.00 for all school age and older. Handicapped registered vehicles will enter Gate D from State Route 40. Recreational Vehicles wishing to set up tailgating inside the competition grounds should use exit 126 from I-70 and proceed to Gate A on Route 40. A $25.00 parking fee will be taken at Gate A. Spectator admission ($10.00) will also be taken at the gate. Vehicles will park inside the meet facility with tailgating space available for each RV unit. Recreation Vehicles may park in the Campground lot outside the competition area without paying the parking fee, but due to limited parking spaces, RV tailgating is not permitted in the main parking lots. 

  • A resident’s Q&A Facts – Loveland City School District Levy

    A resident’s Q&A Facts – Loveland City School District Levy

    by Dale Friemoth

    Dale Friemoth is a Loveland School District resident and lives on East Loveland Avenue in Loveland.

    I have put together some facts on the proposed Loveland City School District (LCSD) Levy in a question and answer format with footnotes on sources.

    After gathering and evaluating these facts, I am voting NO on the Loveland School Levy on the November 5th ballot!

    Question

    I keep hearing about the Levy lasting for 3 years before the Loveland School Board believes they will need to come back to the voters for more money – are the levies on the ballot for 3 years or are they “permanent”?

    The levy on the ballot is divided into three sections totaling 16.78 mills1;  one is for 37 years and the other two are for “continuing period of time” or PERMANENT.

    1. 6.42 mills: Issue bonds for land purchase, construction bond, and improving sites – 37-year duration (This IS permanent for many voters; I’ll be nearly 100 in 37 years!)

    2. 3.41 mills: Funds for permanent improvements – permanent.

    3. 6.95 mills: Funds to pay operating expenses – permanent  (Note:  this is a 24% increase over the last Operating Fund Levy of 5.6 mills in passed in 20142).

    Question

    What is the monthly and yearly increase over what I’m currently paying for Loveland Schools?

    • This levy would be a 42% increase in the school taxes that you are currently paying.

    • You will pay an additional $49 per month ($587.30 per year) for every $100,000 of your home’s appraised value2.  Own a $250,000 home; your taxes increase ~$1,468 per year!

    Question

    I’m a renter, will I need to pay this tax levy?

    • As a renter, you typically would not pay a real estate tax directly, though common sense would tell us that landlords will attempt to pass on their increased costs.

    • This levy will impact you as well – ask your landlord what they intend to do if the levy passes!

    Question

    Will the Board purchase the land at Grailville even if the levy issue fails?

    • The Loveland School District has already paid a $100,000.00 non-refundable deposit on the Grailville property3.  According to Art Jarvis, President – Loveland Board of Education1 “The board will purchase the GV property if the levy fails. This levy represents needs, not wants.  Unfortunately, the GV (Grailville) property is the only suitable land available in the school district, and it will eventually be needed to expand for our growing student population and their educational needs.” 

    • Dr. Amy Crouse – Superintendent hedges this some stating “The Board of Education has not yet voted on any purchase of land.  The LCSDBOE must take formal action concerning the purchase of the property prior to March (2020) per the option-to-purchase contract with The Grail.”

    • Although not formally approved by the Board, the plan would be to pay for the $70,000 per acre ($7,700,000 total) land purchase using funds from the existing Permanent Improvement Levy that was approved to maintain existing buildings.

    • Use these funds instead of “diverting funds to pay for temporary solutions such as trailers for classroom space.2”

    • Use these funds so LSD won’t need “to continue to defer important safety and security upgrades2”.  (Currently deferring important safety and security upgrades – the community should be aghast!!)

    • Use these funds instead of “diverting funds from the classroom” so that we can make critical fixes in our schools.

    Question

    Has the Board of Education and school management held down operating expenses to reduce the impact on taxpayers?

    • Since the last Operating Expense Levy in 2014, the Loveland School District’s Operating Expenditures6 increased from $43,225, 390 to $55,568,450 projected for 2019, or 5% compounded annually with a large 13% increase from 2018 to 2019.

    • The Cost per Pupil went from $8,600 in 2014 to $10,689 in 2019 which is now $968 per pupil higher than the state average.

    • This 5% annual LSD expense growth compares to a 1.66% United States average inflation rate7 (2015-2019E) over the same basic time period. LSD operating expenses are increasing three times (3x) inflation!

    Question

    If the Levy fails, won’t the Loveland School District be in a financial crisis?

    • Loveland School District will have funds required to operate through the end of fiscal 2021 though the district would fall into “fiscal watch” after this time according to the Ohio Department of Education definition. 

    • There are multiple opportunities to put a reasonable levy on the ballot before the end of fiscal 2021, this is not a crisis!

    Question

    There has been extensive growth in housing and rental properties within the LSD the past 10+ years, have we seen this same growth in Loveland students attending our schools?

    • Loveland District total enrolment decreased from 4,566 to 4,462 in the past 10 years (2007/8 to 2017/18)6 even as the community residence numbers increased.

    • As they say for investments “past performance is not indicative of future results” but no one has presented any evidence supporting future headcount growth.

    Question

    Does the Levy fund updated and new Athletic & Extracurricular Facilities that are historically funded through boosters, private donations, & corporate sponsorships?

    • The LSD plans include ~$10M in athletic upgrades8 including: New turf fields for baseball, softball, & multi-use.;  New locker rooms, restroom facility, ticket booth, and gateway entrance; and New concessions building.

    • Plans also include $22.5M5,8 for a new performing arts building with an auditorium for ~1000 and six (6) additional classrooms.

    • This $32. M equals 20% of the total $165M “ask”.

    1Official ballot language

    2LCSD Website

    3LCSD contract to purchase The Grail land

    426-August-2019 e-mail to Loveland resident

    56-October-2019 letter to Loveland resident

    6Ohio Department of Education Score Card

    7U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

    8LCSD breakout of planned cost for implementing “Build Tiger Nation”

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  • Loveland Girls Cross Country Wins the ECC and Continues Success in Post-Season!

    Loveland Girls Cross Country Wins the ECC and Continues Success in Post-Season!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Fall sports have been running away with ECC titles left and right, but one team in particular actually did “run away” with the ECC title! The Loveland High school Women’s Cross Country is marking one of their best seasons in history not only winning the 2019 ECC title but also continuing well into the post-season where the Lady Tigers will compete for a bid to the State Tournament on Saturday at Troy High School.

    2019 Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Steve Nester has also managed to lead the Men’s Cross Country Team to regionals on Saturday. With all of the great athletes running around the halls of Loveland High School Loveland Magazine had to, of course, take another trip out to the land of the Tigers to chase down and chat with the Women’s Cross Country Team about their season of personal bests! Click the below to see Loveland Magazine TV’s sit down interview with the Loveland High School Women’s Cross Country Team!

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  • Wayne Pagel: Proposed Loveland School Levy Defies Logic

    Wayne Pagel: Proposed Loveland School Levy Defies Logic

    by Wayne Pagel

    There is a logical reason for voting against the 42% tax increase proposed in the Loveland School Levy: a 42% tax increase is illogical. Unconscionable. Federal Income Tax. Ohio State Income Tax. Loveland City Income Tax, State and local sales tax. Hamilton, Clermont and Warren County property tax. 

    Wayne Pagel is an 11 year resident of Loveland residing on Rich Road.

    Our own most recent property tax disbursement indicates that 60% of those taxes were disbursed to the Loveland School District.  Through its proposed levy, the Loveland School Board feels that portion should be 77%. A bigger slice of a larger pie. 

    Good for the community? The 14 other recipients, including Family and Children Services, Public Library, Mental Health, Senior Services, Indigent Hospital Care, should understand that the School Board’s deep dive into the pockets of the taxpayers of Loveland to build Fine Arts Centers, Student Collaboration Areas, and artificial turf practice facilities may put a squeeze on any revenue increases or levies in the foreseeable future. There is a limit to how much we can afford and after all, the School Board seems to be first in line. It’s doubtful the board members will form any PACs, hire any consultants, or orchestrate any media campaigns for those causes representing the other 23% of the community’s needs.

    Loveland Schools are stellar. They receive the highest ratings possible.  Our teachers are incredible. They deserve to be well compensated. They are. These things are being accomplished because of the commitment and dedication of the people, including parents, doing the hard work of coaching and educating our children every day. A reasonable, practical approach to revenue enhancement would have been well received and supported. Opposing this one by no means represents a lack of concern or support for Loveland educators. 

    Most of us share in the common goal of providing a good education for our children, saving for their college educations, paying for a home, retiring comfortably. These taxes do not guarantee meeting the needs of our children or for that matter our teachers, rather they

    are a list of wants. Dollars directed from your income to pay for the Board of Education’s wants can’t be invested for your children’s college expenses. Taxes rarely go down, or away. We can pay off our mortgages and debts, but these taxes will continue well into our own retirements. When children starting school next fall graduate from college, they will have 20 years left to pay on this inherited levy should it pass on November 5th. 

    Educating our children is our individual and collective responsibility.  Setting an example of making practical, economically prudent choices with our financial resources should be part of that education.

    Send the message to the Board of Education that the community deserves and demands a better approach. Vote Against the Loveland School Levy on November 5th

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  • [Video Interview] Loveland Men’s Soccer Win Back to Back ECC titles!

    [Video Interview] Loveland Men’s Soccer Win Back to Back ECC titles!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Tiger athletes continue to represent Loveland High School with flying colors earning yet again another 2019 ECC title – this time the Boys Soccer Team! Coach Mike Dunlap and his team of dedicated soccer players went undefeated in the ECC with a 7-0 record, competed in the sectional finals and grabbed some top coach, team, and individual ECC accolades.

    Loveland Magazine decided to pay another visit this week to the home of the Loveland Tigers, Loveland High School, to talk with Coach Dunlap and the Boys Soccer Team about just what went into being able to compete at such a high level and how the team achieved such great chemistry. Click below to see LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV’s exclusive interview with the Loveland High School Boys Soccer Team!

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  • Thought you knew how school buses will get to Grailville? (See proposed street re-configuration)

    Thought you knew how school buses will get to Grailville? (See proposed street re-configuration)

    This illustration* shows the reconfiguration of the streets in Historic Downtown in the City of Loveland’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan

    (“Right Click” this Map and open a new tab or window for an enlarged view)

    Intersection reconfiguration – Develop parcels

     • Explore, design and fund a reconfigured Loveland Avenue at State Route 48/Second Street.

    • Confirm feasibility of Broadway Square-About.

    • Explore, design and fund a reconfigured Broadway and State Route 48/Second Street intersection.

    • Develop sites created by reconfigured Loveland Avenue and Second Street reconfiguration.

    Loveland, Ohio – The 5-10 year timeline of the City of Loveland’s proposed Downtown Strategic Development Plan could throw a wrecking ball into the current strategy of how to route school buses, EMS, Fire, Police, and other rush-hour vehicular traffic to a proposed new school campus at Grailville.

    Under the Loveland School District’s facility master plan adopted on April 16, they will be constructing a new Pre-K through fifth-grade campus on 110 acres at the property known as Grailville, located on O’Bannonville Road, east of downtown Loveland. Preliminary plans show the main entrance to the new school campus to be on St. Rt. 48 near St. Columban School and the White Pillars Subdivision. There will also be ingress and egress on O’Bannonville Road.

    The real estate is currently owned by the Grail, an Ohio nonprofit organization. The District has an option to purchase the vacant land.

    The map above shows the reconfiguration of the streets in Historic Downtown in the City of Loveland’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan that was approved by the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission this past August and by Loveland City Council on September 10.

    The Downtown Strategic Development Plan proposes placing a new commercial development into a space freed-up when West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48 is bisected. Also, a “Square-About” replaces the current five-way intersection at St. Route 48, Hanna Avenue, 2nd Street, and Broadway.

    On July 26 the District passed a resolution asking voters to approve a combined 16.78-mill Operating and Bond levy that if passed on November 5, will pave the way to the Grailville campus opening in the fall of 2022.

    The street re-configuration is proposed to be implemented within 5 to 10 years, i.e., 2024-2029.

    TIMELINE

    March 22, 2019 – District acquires an option to purchase 110 acres at Grailville for 3 new school buildings (Pre-K through fifth-grade campus on 110 acres).

    April 16, 2019 – Loveland School District’s facility Master Plan adopted that proposes Pre-K through fifth-grade campus on 110 acres at Grailville).

    July 26, 2019 – School District puts combined 16.78-mill Operating and Bond levy on the ballot that if passed on November 5, will pave the way to the Grailville campus opening in the fall of 2022.

    August, 2019 – Downtown Strategic Development Plan approved by the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission with bisected West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48, and a new “5-Way Intersection”. New commercial development will replace part of current West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48.

    September, 2019 – Loveland City Council adopts the Downtown Strategic Development Plan reccomended by the Planning Commission.

    September 2022 – Proposed Grailville Campus opens.

    2024-2029 – West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48 in Historic Downtown are bisected, making space for new commercial development.

    2024-2029 – “Square-About” replaces five-way intersection at St. Route 48, Hanna Avenue, 2nd Street, and Broadway.

    Read the City of Loveland’s proposed Downtown Strategic Development Plan: Downtown Master Plan (Go to page 51 to read “YEARS 5 TO 10 AND BEYOND”)

     

    (*The under-layer of the illustration (MAP) above is taken from Loveland’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan. Arrows and text have been added to show probable bus and vehicular traffic patterns to a Grailville school campus under the plan)

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    Moving Sale at Wildflower House in Historic Loveland Starts Today

    Some really nice things, in great shape! — including: 2 matching overstuffed armchairs, 4 matching World Market wood tables in various sizes, 5 matching small round wicker side tables, 1 small wicker chest of drawers, 1 lateral file, 10 super-comfy World Market folding wood relaxation chairs with full length cushions, white restroom/bedroom cabinet, monitor, a set of matching rugs – and many small items.
  • [Video Interview] Loveland Tiger’s Girls Tennis Team Wins 2019 ECC Title

    [Video Interview] Loveland Tiger’s Girls Tennis Team Wins 2019 ECC Title

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s no secret that Loveland High school is succeeding in athletics as 5 Fall sports teams have now grabbed an ECC title this year. The Loveland High school Girls Tennis Team, whose last ECC title came in 2012, was 1 of the 5 teams to earn a 2019 ECC title and the lady tigers along with Coach Dara Hudson couldn’t be more proud of their successful season!

    Loveland Magazine TV decided to pay a visit to Loveland High school to see just what the 411 was on the Loveland High School Girls Tennis Team. With a 15-2 record overall and a 6-1 record in the ECC Coach Hudson couldn’t stress enough why it couldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication put in by each and every one of the girls! Click below to see the full Loveland Magazine TV interview with Coach Hudson and the Loveland High School Girls Tennis Team!

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  • Granny’s Garden School continues in Loveland

    Granny’s Garden School continues in Loveland

    The photo above of is one of the Granny’s Garden School gardens on the Campus of the Loveland Primary and Elementary School in 2014.

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    As summer has ended and fall is upon us, Granny’s Garden School continues to provide an experience that many children will never forget. As our world is growing in terms of social media and more and more at-home activities, Granny’s Garden School gives back to our planet and brings children back to basics. 

    Granny’s Garden provides “hands-on learning experiences for children through school-based garden and nature-focused programs.” as stated on their website. For over fifteen years, this business allows 1st through 4th-grade students to explore the world of nature. With their courtyard garden and nature trail, trained Garden Educators lead lessons with subjects like science, math, and health to let kids apply new knowledge into the real world. Kids enjoy the paths and learn not by sitting in a classroom, but diving into mother nature. 

    Now Granny’s Garden will be under new leadership and will continue with its goals to teach the young and give back. As great support to the Loveland’s Life Food Pantry, Granny’s Garden donates a portion of their harvest each week of the growing season and maintains a close relationship, developing crops and donating constantly.

    As many parents praise the garden’s activities when clicking on their website, one can see a quote that reads, “My daughter loves the garden days so much we now raise a vegetable garden at home.” Other parents like Angela, from Loveland Primary School, said, “I value the lessons my children learn, the work the experts do and the beauty Granny’s Garden School brings to our community.” Outside activities prove that they can be brought inside as new knowledge and practices can grow a new future in Loveland. 

    With new leadership comes new opportunities, Granny’s Garden now accepts individual or group help all year-round. Leadership opportunities and educational team spots are also available for applicants. Follow this LINK to learn more about Granny’s Garden School, how you can help with your own resources and become involved.

    Roberta Paolo was the founder of Granny’s Garden School. When her grandchildren were young, they spent most of their time together in Paolo’s gardens. When they were in first and second grade, she wanted to extend that experience by starting a garden at their Loveland, Ohio school. The original goal was simply to give other children the chance to pick flowers. Granny’s Garden School took on a life of its own and grew to be one of the largest and most comprehensive school garden education programs in the country. Though she is retired from GGS, Roberta continues to provide guidance to school garden programs through her website.

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  • Re-Broadcast of residents speaking about school levy at October 15 Board meeting

    Re-Broadcast of residents speaking about school levy at October 15 Board meeting

    Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, October 15 residents spoke at the Loveland Board of Education business meeting about the combined 16.78 mil operating and bond levy that will be on the November 5 ballot.

    Speakers in order of appearance were:

    • Danielle McKay
    • Dave Shoemaker
    • Ben Krieger
    • Adam Gleim
    • Matt Hassert
    • Marcia Neumann
    • Deron Taul
    • Randi Granat
    • Patty Russo
    • David Kern
    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV was there and broadcast live from the meeting. This is a re-broadcast.

  • Stephanie Savely on School Levy: What do we agree on?

    Stephanie Savely on School Levy: What do we agree on?

    Stephanie Savely lives in the West Loveland Historic District in Loveland

    by Stephanie Savely

    The levy is driving a wedge in our beautiful town. Can we “push pause” for just a minute? Can we take a deep breath and focus on what we agree on?

    I believe, if asked, most of us would say that:

    • We love our “little” town. 
    • We know the value and importance of providing a good public education. 
    • We know that our school buildings need work and some probably even need to be replaced.

    Most would even agree that there are probably some items, regardless of the actual dollar amount, in the levy that aren’t “mission critical.”

    So, I have one simple question. What harm is there in asking the school board to take the overwhelming amount of feedback they have received and revise the plan?

    This isn’t an all or nothing situation. Our city is more important than that.

    This problem has been years in the making, and a few more months won’t matter.

    Our community, our schools, our neighborhoods, our friendships are worth coming together and tackling this well. Together.

    Don’t forget, we ARE Loveland Strong.