Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Loveland City School District

  • [WATCH] Loveland Schools State Budget Town Hall

    [WATCH] Loveland Schools State Budget Town Hall

    Loveland, Ohio – This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is of the Loveland Schools State Budget Town Hall that was held at the media center of the Loveland Middle School on Wednesday evening. The state budget that will determine spending for the next two years in Ohio is making its way through the Ohio General Assembly. Governor Mike DeWine’s budget proposal could cut funding for the Loveland City School District and many other public schools. The District says that their five-year forecast is that the district could receive $2.5 million less in state funding.

    Since the Ohio House has already passed their proposed spending bill, attention is now focused on what the Senate will propose, and thus the District has now amended  their lobbying priorities and what they are asking the public to do that might influence the State House decisions. You can read their amended lobbying priorities HERE.

    The District is asking the Loveland community to continue reaching out to state lawmakers. They say, “It’s important lawmakers and Governor DeWine receive messages from as many people in our community as possible, and that they receive repeated messages throughout the budget process from now until the budget bill is signed at the end of June.”

    Loveland’s Lobbying Priorities:

    • Protect the “Guarantee” – if the guarantee were to be eliminated, Loveland would suffer a catastrophic loss of $25 million in state funding over the next four years. The governor’s suggested reductions in the guarantee will mean a loss of about $2.5 million.
    • Ensure state funding keeps pace with inflation – Inflation is projected at 2.3% and we are requesting that state funding increase at or near the same rate during the two-year budget. Failure to increase state funding in line with inflation shifts more of the burden for public education to local taxpayers.
    • Remove the cash balance provision – Limits on carry-over balances will have unintended consequences for school districts and create more confusion for local taxpayers. We request that the state study the issue and consider separate legislation regarding cash balances.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/LovelandLobbyingFlyer.pdf”]

  • Attend the Loveland Schools State Budget Town Hall Meeting

    Attend the Loveland Schools State Budget Town Hall Meeting

    Gemini AI Image

    Loveland, Ohio – The state budget that will determine spending for the next two years is making its way through the Ohio General Assembly. Governor Mike DeWine’s budget proposal would cut funding for Loveland schools and many other public school districts.

    If DeWine’s budget is approved, the Loveland City School District’s five-year forecast predicts that our district would receive $2.5 million less in state funding.

    In response to the community asking district leadership to find solutions to these funding challenges, they have launched a page on their website at lovelandschools.org/lobby. There, you will find three requests to make to state lawmakers:

    • Protect the “Guarantee”
    • Fully Implement the Fair School Funding Plan
    • Increase the State Share Minimum to 20%

    The district says that if these requests are implemented at the statehouse, it would prevent funding cuts for the Loveland City School District and build a foundation for a better funding system for the future.

    The district is asking our community to share these requests with state lawmakers. On this page, you will find contact information for Ohio lawmakers including the Governor, so you can email, call, or send letters.

    The town hall meeting is on Wednesday, April 16, at 6 PM at the Loveland Middle School, where you will receive more information about the funding request and updates on the state budget process.

  • Miss Lynn the 2025 Valentine Lady gave us a wooden heart

    Miss Lynn the 2025 Valentine Lady gave us a wooden heart

    A crayon drawing of Lynn Oury the 2025 Loveland Valentine Lady by 1-grader Evelyn

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    Jennifer Miller has taught in the Loveland Schools for 27-years.

    by Jennifer Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Lynn Oury, The 2025 Loveland Valentine Lady, visited my 1st-grade classroom on February 27th. The Valentine Lady visit is always exciting and something that my students look forward to. My students love meeting someone from their Loveland Community and why Valentine’s Day is so special in Loveland. This year proved no different and perhaps was a little more anticipated as Lynn is also known as Miss Lynn, the preschool teacher!

    I have known Lynn for about twenty years. I have known her as a beloved colleague and as a mom when my own daughter had her for two years in preschool almost seventeen years ago. To say that I was excited about this year’s Valentine Lady was an understatement. I knew Lynn’s visit to my classroom would be an experience that my students wouldn’t forget and I was right. 

    Miss Lynn came to our classroom that morning dressed the part in a cheery Valentine sweater and she also had some props. She talked

    The wooden heart that Miss Lynn gave us now hangs in my classroom. It was made by Lynn’s husband Neal.

    about Loveland, friendships and caring for one another. She captured our attention as she retold a chapter from Frog and Toad are Friends. She taught us some sign language as she told the story and also used several buttons as props as she retold the endearing story of Toad looking for his button with Frog. 

    She ended her time with us by presenting us with a wooden heart ornament that her husband had made for us. It now hangs in our classroom as a reminder to be kind to one another. She stamped a special Valentine for each of us to either keep or to give to someone special.

    Miss Lynn with two of her former students, Oliver and Hunter.

    We said our goodbyes and took a few photos with Miss Lynn before she was on her way to another classroom. Hunter and Oliver had a special picture taken with her as they were members of her last preschool school class before she retired. 

    At the time of Lynn’s visit, my students were learning to write a report. We spent the next few weeks writing about The Valentine’s Lady visit to our classroom. We collected our information, made a plan for our writing and then wrote our reports. Below is our collective report.

    Miss Lynn returned to our classroom on April 11th. We surprised her with our reports and this story. She got to click the Loveland Magazine “Publish” button!

    Below are pictures of our time together and our favorite pages from our reports.

    Click to view and enlarge slide show…

    Photos by David Miller/Loveland Magazine ©2024

     

  • Loveland High School Indoor Percussion: 1st place champions

    Loveland High School Indoor Percussion: 1st place champions

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Indoor Percussion “stole the show” at the Mid East Performance Association Finals on March 30 at Wright State University and became first place champions at the highly competitive “Scholastic A” level.

    All photos by Loveland Performing Arts Boosters.

     

  • The passing of Chuck and Karen Waple of Loveland

    The passing of Chuck and Karen Waple of Loveland

    Karen Waple was born December 21, 1939 and passed away on March 22, 2025.

    Dr. Charles “Chuck” Waple was born September 25, 1934 and  passed away on March 24, 2025.

     

    The Waples were loving parents of Jeffrey (Susie) Waple and John (Sara) Waple. Proud grandparents of Emily, Nate (Taylor), Matthew, Andrew (Grace), Brandon, and Natalie.

    Chuck and Karen dedicated their lives to public education.

    Chuck was a public-school superintendent with Loveland School District and Wyoming City School District. He was a realtor with Sibcy Cline for over 10 years and volunteered with several organizations.

    Karen taught Kindergarten with the Mason City Schools for 30+ years and then subbed in the Loveland City Schools for 20 years. She was extremely dedicated to her grandchildren and volunteered for Crayons to Computers and LIFE Food Pantry.

    They were both active members for over 50 years with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Loveland.

    They were lifelong Buckeyes, enjoyed trips to Hilton Head, and loved gathering with family during the holidays.

    Karen was born December 21, 1939 and passed away on March 22, 2025.

    Chuck was born September 25, 1934 and  passed away on March 24, 2025.

    Family and friends will be received from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Friday, April 11 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 101 South Lebanon Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, where a Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 PM. A Luncheon will immediately follow the Celebration of Life.

    In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Chuck & Karen may be directed to Loveland Schools Foundation, 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140.

  • [VIDEO] Loveland parents and children rally on Col. Thomas Paxton bridge for fair school funding

    [VIDEO] Loveland parents and children rally on Col. Thomas Paxton bridge for fair school funding

    Loveland, Ohio – Becca Moates and Cindy Daumeyer were on Loveland’s Col. Thomas Paxton bridge Wednesday evening along with many supports to send a message to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and State legislators. The message was to urge the lawmakers to fully fund Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) for public schools. They say that if the plan isn’t fully funded, the Loveland City School District may lose $2.5 million over the next five years. The FSFP is commonly referred to as the Cupp-Patterson plan. Backers are urging the full completion of its phase-in.

    Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, pointed out the potential effect on public schools, which he said serve 95% of Ohio students. He told the Public News Service in late March, “The governor has proposed a budget that would cut public schools by over $100 million, while at the same time increasing funding for vouchers for private schools and charter schools by $500 million. We know that is just absolutely unfair.”

    Becca Moates said on March 18 in a guest column published in Loveland Magazine, “The current budget proposal from Governor DeWine leads to lost funds for Loveland schools which will undoubtedly lead to additional revenue requests from the school district. Let’s continue to build the unity we have as community members to support the students who are the heart of our vibrant community.”

    In 2021, Governor DeWine signed the Fair School Funding Plan, which was supposed to be implemented three phases to support public school funding in Ohio. Over 90% of children in the State attend public schools. Only 66.67% of the planned funding levels have been implemented. The phase-in was set to reach full funding by fiscal year 2027. Once fully phased in, the FSFP is supposed to provide constitutionally appropriate funding levels for traditional school districts, Career Tech Centers, and Education Service Centers.

    Moates also said in her column, “It is time for our legislators to hear from all of us. We need Governor DeWine to endorse a bill that benefits our schools. We need to come together. Write letters, call legislators, and call the Governor.”

    DiMauro said that he worries such major shifts in funding could lead to larger class sizes and reduced services in public schools, placing additional burdens on local taxpayers to fill the gaps. He emphasized now is the time for Ohioans who are concerned about the issue and how it might affect their communities to contact their representatives in Columbus.

    Provided by Loveland Schools

    Who To Contact

    Download the list or click below PDF to enlarge.

    What to Say?

    Here are Moates’ suggestions for what to include in your phone calls, emails, and letters to state lawmakers:

    • Your name
    • Your role (parent, student, staff member, community member) in the Loveland City School District.
    • Your story (explain why you support Loveland City Schools, your family’s experience with Loveland City Schools, and why you are concerned about funding cuts for our district. Make it clear that decisions about funding impact children and communities.)
    • Your request (for example: protect the “guarantee” because reducing it would hurt funding for our district, fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan with updated inputs, and increase the state share minimum to 20%)
    • Your appreciation (thank them for their work in Columbus and their attention to this issue that is important to you and our community.)

    We suggest you write an email message to lawmaker, then use that message as a script for a phone call. The message can then be printed and mailed to lawmakers for an additional contact point.

    Read the Loveland District’s Lobbying Request.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Loveland-State-Legislators-136th-General-Assembly-2025.pdf” title=”Loveland State Legislators – 136th General Assembly 2025″]

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    Debate intensifies over major cuts to Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan

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    Becca Moates: Current Governor DeWine budget proposal undoubtedly leads to additional Loveland levy

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  • “Paying off Debt Means Lower Taxes for Loveland City School District Residents”

    “Paying off Debt Means Lower Taxes for Loveland City School District Residents”

    An Op-Ed from Loveland City School District Treasurer John Espy

    Loveland City School District has paid off its last outstanding bond and is now debt-free. A construction bond was issued in 1998, and after nearly three decades of sound financial management, the bond has now been paid in full. The result is lower property taxes for Loveland City School District property owners.

    In 1998, district voters approved a bond for school construction and renovation projects. The money was primarily used to build Loveland Intermediate School and renovate Loveland Middle School. When they were issued, the bonds were funded at 5.17 mills. In the years since, the bonds have been refunded, or essentially refinanced, at lower rates – the most recent being .95 mills. The final payment on the bond debt was made in December of 2024, and local property taxes are no longer being collected to repay that debt.

    With the repayment of the bond, the average property owner in Loveland City School District is now paying about $136 less per year in local property taxes. Unless you looked closely at your most recent tax bill, you might have missed this bit of good news. The district is now debt-free, and all of our building bonds have been paid in full, marking a major financial milestone for our schools and community.

    As the Treasurer of Loveland City School District, I value transparent financial reporting and keeping our commitment to being a responsible steward of taxpayer funds. District leadership remains committed to transparency and providing you with the information you need to understand how your tax dollars are being managed.

    School funding in Ohio is complex, but our community has made it clear they want to learn more about the subject. Our State School Funding Committee, School Finance Town Hall last fall, and our ongoing Community Advisory Team Meetings have all allowed me to explain school finances to our community. I’ve also recently launched a series of educational “Finance Friday” videos and social media posts. The videos explain some foundational topics in school finance so our community is better informed. I hope you’ll take the time to watch my “Finance Friday” videos and share them with your friends. I also ask that you share the good news that Loveland City School District is debt-free after keeping our commitment to paying off the 1998 construction bonds.

    If you ever have questions about our district finances, please let me know. I can be reached at espyjo@lovelandschools.org.

     

  • Becca Moates: Current Governor DeWine budget proposal undoubtedly leads to additional Loveland levy

    Becca Moates: Current Governor DeWine budget proposal undoubtedly leads to additional Loveland levy

    Becca Moates and her family (Provided)

    by Becca Moates

    Dear Loveland School District,

    Let’s start with:

    Our goal this week is to send 1000 letters to the statehouse by March 21, 2025. Help make this happen! 

    Our family moved here a decade ago after the military, and what a well-loved decade it has been. When we packed and moved like the nomads we had been previously, we never expected to find such a great community. It has been everything from a patient phone call from a teacher, a basket of laundry when the dryer broke (3 times in the last decade), and a dish of food when a loved one passed away. Loveland is a small town with a big heart.

    Our schools are a vital component of our community, and our students thrive thanks to the dedication of our educators. We rank in the top 3% of districts in the state, with 97% of districts having more teacher support per student. Our teachers and staff are dedicated, as are our wonderful students. We personally,  have four children and three of them in Loveland schools. It has been amazing to watch how they thrive and grow as people.

    The current budget proposal from Governor DeWine leads to lost funds for Loveland schools which will undoubtedly lead to additional revenue requests from the school district. Let’s continue to build the unity we have as community members to support the students who are the heart of our vibrant community.

    While we can and should discuss levies, we currently face a more significant financial crisis affecting our community.

    In 2021, Governor DeWine enacted the Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP), which aimed to implement three phases to support public school funding in Ohio, where over 90% of children attend public schools. 

    The new budget proposal will not fully fund the Loveland City School District, and our Governor and legislators need to understand that Loveland is one of many school districts affected by this situation. Currently, the proposed bill does not adhere to the guarantee established previously.

    Not only is the Governor failing to fulfill his promise, but we will also face a reduction of $2.5 million over the next five years. 

    Your Job Community:

    We can unite on this issue. If the state cuts funding (and as a state we are 45th out of 50 states in per pupil funding), the foundation of our community: our schools will suffer. It is time for our legislators to hear from all of us. We need Governor DeWine to endorse a bill that benefits our schools. We need to come together. Write letters, call legislators, and call the Governor. 

    Read the Loveland Schools Lobbying Request.

    Watch John Espy our school Treasurer testify before the Ohio House Finance Committee (42 Minute mark).

    Sincerely,

    Becca Moates, MSN, APRN-CFNP

    _____________

    Who To Contact

    Download the list or click below PDF to enlarge.

    What to Say?

    Here are some suggestions for what to include in your phone calls, emails, and letters to state lawmakers:

    • Your name
    • Your role (parent, student, staff member, community member) in the Loveland City School District.
    • Your story (explain why you support Loveland City Schools, your family’s experience with Loveland City Schools, and why you are concerned about funding cuts for our district. Make it clear that decisions about funding impact children and communities.)
    • Your request (for example: protect the “guarantee” because reducing it would hurt funding for our district, fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan with updated inputs, and increase the state share minimum to 20%)
    • Your appreciation (thank them for their work in Columbus and their attention to this issue that is important to you and our community.)

    We suggest you write an email message to lawmaker, then use that message as a script for a phone call. The message can then be printed and mailed to lawmakers for an additional contact point.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Loveland-State-Legislators-136th-General-Assembly-2025.pdf” title=”Loveland State Legislators – 136th General Assembly 2025″]

  • Lillianne Fehrenbach earnsspot in UC’s Hoffman Honors Scholars Program

    Lillianne Fehrenbach earnsspot in UC’s Hoffman Honors Scholars Program

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School student Lillianne Fehrenbach has earned a spot in UC’s Hoffman Honors Scholars Program. This program is designed to foster global citizenship, leadership, and service learning and it supports students with a full ride scholarship.

    About Hoffman Honors Scholars

    The Hoffman Honors Scholars Program (HHS) is a prestigious program designed to foster global citizenship, leadership, and service learning. Students in the program represent three UC colleges: The College Conservatory of Music, Carl H. Lindner College of Business, and The College of Arts and Sciences.

    All Hoffman Honors Scholars will be encouraged to participate in educational, service, and networking events aimed to help students thrive and build connections at the University of Cincinnati.

    Student Requirements in Hoffman Honors Scholars Program

    • Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
    • Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student. 
    • Be enrolled in one of the three HHS colleges: A&S, CCM, or LCB. Changing majors to another college will result in a loss of eligibility. 
    • Attend both the Welcome Reception and Welcome Retreat in August of your first year. 
    • Participate in at least 30 hours of community service per academic year, with 15 hours committed to a Cincinnati Hoffman Partner. 
      • Hofman Partners:
        • Cincinnati Museum Center
        • ALS Associated Clinics and Organizations
        • Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati
        • Cincinnati Nature Center
        • Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
        • Cincinnati Ballet
    • Participate in at least 2 leadership building activities per semester, which may include:
      • Ethics training workshops
      • Warren Bennis Leadership Institute Workshops
      • Etiquette Workshops
      • Strengths Training events
      • Career or resume workshops
      • Study abroad preparation meetings
      • Meeting with Nationally Competitive Awards
    • Build a community of interdisciplinary learners from across campus by participating in at least three Hoffman Honors Scholars community events per semester, such as:
      • Semester Celebrations
      • Community Dinners
      • Hoffman service project days
      • Performances and shows at CCM
      • Field trips to partner institutions (e.g., Cincinnati Museum Center, Civic Garden Center, Cincinnati Nature Center, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, etc.).
    • Meet with the HHS program advisor at least once per academic semester (not required if students are out on coop)
    • Join the University Honors Program and be a member in good standing.
    • Complete the Gateway to University Honors course in your first year.

    Scholarship Benefits

    The scholarship includes the following for up to eight academic (non-coop) semesters.

    • Full tuition to the University of Cincinnati
    • Room and board
      • On campus room and board
      • Off campus room and board stipend as determined by financial aid each year
    • Book stipend
    • Study abroad funding support

    Study Abroad Funding

    Continuous Support

    We are committed to ensuring that every Hoffman Honors Scholar receives the support they need to thrive. By working individually with students, we aim to provide a seamless and rewarding experience throughout their time at UC.

    Hoffman Honors Scholars will receive up to $5000 in scholarship funding for Study Abroad that can be applied to future credit-bearing study abroad opportunities.

  • Tigers Inc. in NYC to see “Opening Bell” at New York Stock Exchange

    Tigers Inc. in NYC to see “Opening Bell” at New York Stock Exchange

    Photo via Loveland Schools

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School students in the Tigers Inc. program went to New York City recently. They visited the New York Stock Exchange, Procter & Gamble, and more. Teacher Craig Murnan designed the learning opportunity for the students.

    WHAT’S TIGERS INC?

    Tigers Inc. is a student-led non-profit organization run by a selective group of business-oriented student leaders at Loveland High School. We are redefining the classroom setting by giving students non-traditional exposure to the business world. Currently, we are divided into three cohorts that collectively work to learn by experience, from experience. As we develop, we strive to collaborate with the community to find tangible solutions to complex problems. We seek to partner with professionals who can help us expand our network, enhance our skills, and provide business expertise. Learn more…