Our youngest Loveland Tigers know these three words well. Here in Loveland schools, we care for each other.We respect each other. And we take responsibility for our words and actions.
The Loveland Board of Education strives to do our best to live up to the expectations our teachers and staff have for our students. We care about each and every member of our school community and demonstrate that with leadership and fiscal responsibility. That care means we regularly need to place tax levies on the ballot in order to ensure the operation of programs that our students need and deserve.
The way taxes work in Ohio means that a school board respects the right of our district citizens to vote on these levies. We need to show the necessity for new operating funds and do so with the publishing of budgets, expenditures, and five-year forecasts. We publish the evidence of the success of our students as well.
The last operating levy passed in 2014 was designed to move the district from a “stay put” mode of operation to a time of forward progress and was strongly supported by our community. Our teachers and students delivered significant achievements as a result of that change in direction and now we need to protect that investment and optimize that effort.
Acting responsibly means telling the truth and sometimes means that you cannot respond in kind when false, harmful accusations are made.
Acting responsibly means telling the truth and sometimes means that you cannot respond in kind when false, harmful accusations are made.But responsible public servants also stand up for what is true. There are many false statements being made about the March 2020 levy, about the Board of Education, and about the people who work with us and for us. The Loveland school district and this Board of Education are committed to optimizing resources, to extending the adequacy of 2020 levy funds as long as possible, and to continuing progress for Loveland students.
Please take the time to review the information on our website, lovelandschools.org under the levy tab.Take the time to talk to our board and our administrators.Attend a board meeting or an information session.Get the right information right now.
We know our community cares about our schools. We respect the right of our citizens to vote on March 17. Each of us has a great responsibility for the future of Loveland schools.
Kathryn Lorenz is the President of the Loveland Board of Education and lives in Miami Township
Juliet Tissot is a District resident and lives in Miami Trails
TheLoveland City School District (LCSD) operating levy shouldn’t even be on the ballot yet.It’s too early and taxpayers are being fleeced yet again.
I say “it’s too early” but not for the reasons you’ve heard before. Some people think it’s too early because the November levy suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of taxpayers and the board/administration should have taken more time to build trust within their community and present a reasonable budget.I say “it’s too early” because if it weren’t for the administration’s reckless spending in 2019 the 2014 operating levy could have lasted another two years and taxpayers would have been able to hold onto their hard earned money a little longer without the school suffering at all.
During the 2018-19 school year, Dr. Crouse’s first year as superintendent, operating expenses were increased by $6 million ($49,183,909 – $55,568,450).A six million dollar increase in one school year is outrageous especially when you find out no superintendent before her increased operating expenses by more than $2 million in one year.Dr. Crouse tripled the increase of any other superintendent before her and she did it the year before she put an enormous levy on the ballot, begging tax payers for more money, claiming the district was broke and laying off teachers.Had Dr. Crouse increased spending the same amount as others before her, or even a little more, the money could have lasted two more years and teachers would not have lost their jobs.The 2019, the $6 million increase in operating expenses was an increase of 13% while the average operating expense increase for all public schools in Ohio (~600) was only 4%.
Why should tax payers reach deeper in their pockets, two years early, to reward such reckless spending?
Why should tax payers reach deeper in their pockets, two years early, to reward such reckless spending?
Some will answer that question with the typical Levy 101 bumper sticker response, “It’s for the kids!”But is it really for the kids?Since 2013, enrollment in the Loveland City School District declined by 200 students (4,715 – 4,510).During that same time period, Loveland City School district hired 10 full time equivalent (FTE) administrators (16.5 – 27).Why would LCSD hire so many administrators when we have so many fewer students? In 2019, the average salary of FTE administrators increased 14% ($86,320 – $98,224).The administration tries to explain these salary numbers away by saying people were moved from part time to full time positions but their claims aren’t supported by the CUPP Report** which shows the number of full time administrators didn’t change from 2018-19 (26.8 – 27). Why would LCSD make these salary adjustments the year before coming to taxpayers for more money?
Others will answer that question with another bumper sticker, “Sustain, Maintain and Protect”, claiming the levy is needed to maintain the status quo.Why would so much money be needed if we’re just maintaining the status quo?The administration promises to only increase expenditures 3% a year going forward.Well, 3% of $55 million is $1.65 million.Yet the levy on the ballot will generate $6.25 million a year.If the administration is only going to increase spending $1.65 million a year why do they need to increase revenue $6.25 million a year?Even if you account for compounding the increase and add extra money for unforeseen needs you’ll still see the ask dramatically outweighs the need. When making a decision about taxes, citizens should rely on facts not emotions.The facts will tell you this levy is too soon and too big.Levys in Loveland are always permanent therefore they are always in addition to what you are already paying.This levy will increase taxes in Loveland by $243 a year for each $100,000 worth of home value.Lovelanders have routinely voted to approve levies, pumping the school’s coffers full of money and yet in 2019 Loveland received the same overall grade as Little Miami on the state report card (B).Little Miami went through a stretch of not passing a levy for ten years.This proves you can’t buy better grades.So why are they asking for so much?Your children are judged by their grades, should the district be held to a different standard?
Finally, keep in mind… the school district will come back for even more operating money in just four years, and sometime between now and then, a bond and permanent improvement levy will be on the ballot as well.
Be prepared for your taxes to skyrocket!
VOTE NO on March 17th.
**The CUPP report is a report issued by the Ohio Dept of Education and is compiled of numbers submitted by the district. The report is available online.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District Board of Education has announced that it is seeking community members for a Planning Commission. The commission will assist the board with researching and evaluating a variety of assigned issues and topics relating to the schools.
“We see this as an opportunity to engage our community in a variety of issues affecting our schools on an ongoing basis,” said Board President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz. “I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to capitalize on residents’ expertise, ideas, and dedication to the success of our schools as it relates to finances, facilities, school improvements, student experience, communications, and community engagement.”
The Planning Commission will have a maximum of 25 participating members. At capacity, it will be composed of seven faculty and staff members and 18 citizens of the school district. The residents, who will be appointed by the Board of Education, will reflect the diversity of the community. Student participation will also be sought, in particular for the committee on school improvement and student experience.
Jim Hooper lives in the Loveland High School neighborhood
Jim Hooper
Catchy common phrase. Heard it used a couple times at the LCSD Adhoc committee meetings. Thought I ‘d try it out to gain perspective on the LCSD Levy situation.
Whoa, it’s high up here!
I see Loveland as a whole, comprised mainly of ranch style homes, modest neighborhoods, occupied by homesteader types who have lived in Loveland for decades – more semi-rural/rural than urban. Look down on West Loveland Ave, Rich Road, Rte 48, The Heights, Lebanon Road, the Glen Lake neighborhood, out towards Grailville , all the smaller roads off these arteries and you will see Loveland. Pocketed among these byways are sub-divisions like Chatham Woods, Pheasant Hills on the Lake, Woodford, White Pillars.
I see the Loveland School system. Led by the Board of Ed and the LCSD Superintendent. The BOE members are elected officials which automatically makes them politicians, whether they see themselves that way or not. We all know how politics works – from the local constituency the politician seeks out his/her core bloc of voters, those voters who will deliver the necessary votes to successfully elect. These politicians (BOE) are beholden to this core bloc. The bloc group influences the Board by way of their backing.
So what influence does 2,447 bloc voters have on a School Board and Superintendent?
In the case of the LCSDBoard of Ed I think we can fairly safely establish the core bloc of voters is 2,447 persons. I am thinking anyone voting FOR a 16.78 mil levy is definitely a BOE core bloc voter. So what influence does 2,447 bloc voters have on a School Board and Superintendent?A LOT!Especially under the “normal circumstances” of a levy issue – off year voting, little interest by the silent majority who assume their financial
The “Board Whisperers”
interests are being conservatively managed – the 2,447 voter bloc, under these conditions, pretty much guarantees the election of their candidates.And, pretty much guarantees the Board of Ed will be very receptive listeners. These people are the Board influencers – the “Board Whisperers” – the people in the ear of the Board members. They are the localized version of lobbyists. And, many of them are inside the school system where their voice is amplified many times over. Their job circumstances are directly impacted by money the LCSD spends.
Now I’m listening, now I’m reading, now I’m researching, now I’m in it with both feet.
Now under normal conditions, I don’t really mind this influencing activity. The only time I would perk up my ears and take an outsized interest would be, let me think,perhaps when this influencing campaign produced an unheard of, unconscionable, state record 16.78mil levy. Now I’m listening, now I’m reading, now I’m researching, now I’m in it with both feet.
I have heard a lot about trajectory, vision, maintaining forward growth, maintaining gains. Hey, I’m all for it! I support 2-3% trajectory, 2-3% vision gains, 2-3% growth gains. I fully support increase in hard work, efficiency, increased productivity. I fully support the LCSD taking baby steps to move up the rankings ladder. Set a vision of moving up 5 steps at a time. Great! Let’s not set a vision to move from a Value-Added rank of 433 to 22. I applaud the excellent 22 ranking. I do not applaud the fact that a lot of taxpayer dollars went into buying that result!
You know, the Bengals could be in the Super Bowl – all it takes is spending$$$. You know, the Reds could be in the World Series, all it takes is spending $$$. You know, the LCSD could be better than Indian Hill and Sycamore – all it takes is spending $$$ – taxpayer money!
My opinion is that there are “silent agendas” in our schools that the silent majority know nothing about.
Returning to the LCSD/Superintendent vision for LCSD. Firstly, what is that vision? I know only one thing about it – it costs lots of money($$$). Sorry, I do know another thing, that 78% of voters do not know Dr. Crouse’s vision for LCSD. Although, I am beginning to get some hints – $6,365,528 spent on technology improvements. Is this a Dr. Crouse vision, to be the most technologically advanced school system in the area. A four year 69.1% spending increase in “Support for the Instructional Staff”. $5,717,737 spent with Hamilton County ESC over 5 years. My opinion is that there are “silent agendas” in our schools that the silent majority know nothing about. These silent agendas are driven by the “Board Whisperers” – backed up by their votes at election time.
The taxpayer asked for $20/month over and over doesn’t realize they are slowly being taxed to death.
Again let me say, I have no issue with school agendas moving forward at a conservative, sustainable, within a budget pace ( 2-3% a year). I do have a huge problem with the LCSD making quantum leaps bought with my tax dollars. Now I have heard it said, “it is only $20.27/month per $100,000 appraised home value. Let me use an old saying – the frog in a pot of cold water over low heat doesn’t realize it is being slowly boiled to death – and the taxpayer asked for $20/month over and over doesn’t realize they are slowly being taxed to death.
What is really beginning to bother me is the total lack of self-reflection by the 22%. Based upon all I have read on social media the attitude is that “nothing wrong here – nothing to see here”, we know what is right, you (78%) are uninformed, and get out of our way. I must interpret that to mean spending will continue unabated. Not exactly the response hoped for (or expected) after a 78% to 22% drubbing at the polls.
I also hoped the myriad of testimonials from “forever” Yes voters that had been pushed to the difficult position of voting No would have enlightened the minority to question maybe something does need to change.
A consequence of losing a vote by a landslide 78-22% and in so doing shattering a trust that had been working for decades is the “trust but verify” is now “verify, verify, verify”. All aspects of the LCSD are now under a microscope for review.
The child learns not to touch a hot stove once; it seems the adults must touch the hot stove twice before a lesson is learned.
I am a “Know Vote”!
Jim Hooper lives in the Loveland High School neighborhood
Amy Aspenwall (center), surrounded here by students in one of her AP Environmental Sciences classes at Loveland High School, is one of 20 teachers nationwide selected for “Nourish the Future” national teacher leadership training in San Antonio, Texas, in February.
Loveland, Ohio – As one of only 20 teachers nationwide, Loveland High School Science Teacher Amy Aspenwall has been selected to attend the national teacher leadership training by EducationProjects.org in San Antonio, Texas, in February. The training will take place at the Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest agricultural trade show, and professional development event.
“This is really exciting for me personally, but also for Loveland High School,” said Aspenwall. “It will provide leadership opportunities and allow collaboration with teachers around the country to identify and create new problem-based modules, flipped classroom materials, and science labs for our students.”
It will also highlight the connection between the science they teach in the classroom and the application to food production and food security.
Loveland High School science teacher Amy Aspenwall
EducationProjects.org has connected industry to the classroom for more than 20 years. The upcoming training, “Nourish the Future,” will introduce participants to the latest developments in water quality, sustainable agriculture, and 21st-century tools and technology in precision agriculture. It will allow teachers to take part in a curated tour of the trade show, with a focus on the science and engineering that support the production of food, fiber, and fuel. It will also highlight the connection between the science they teach in the classroom and the application to food production and food security. After the three-day event, teachers will continue to collaborate and access additional training through webinars and national and regional conferences.
“Agriculture is an important aspect of our work and a great opportunity to engage students in concepts and activities that impact their own lives,” said Aspenwall.
“Agriculture is an important aspect of our work and a great opportunity to engage students in concepts and activities that impact their own lives,” said Aspenwall. “When that connection is made, students are empowered to become more involved and engaged in environmental issues.”
Loveland City School District and Amy Aspenwall receives Sustainability Award by local chamber in 2018
Through the nomination of Aspenwall and her AP Environmental Science class at LHS, Loveland City Schools earned the Sustainability Award by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance in 2018. The award recognized the work with students and the commitment to developing environmental leaders for the future. Aspenwall’s class continues to offer authentic, hands-on opportunities for students to understand issues like water quality and biodiversity, and allows them to develop innovative solutions to problems. The class was implemented at LHS in the fall of 2016 and was filled to capacity after only a couple of years.
In January 2020, Social Security, federal and military retirees received a miserly 1.6 percent cost-of-living pension increase. In 11 years, our COLA reflects a cumulative increase of only 15.2%.
Rather than living with the financially harsh and punitive School Property Tax Levies Ohio residents have been subjected to for decades, retirees should be advised that in the State of Ohio there are two secondary income funding sources available to Ohio School Districts and voters.
I refer you to the Ohio Department of Taxation “Guide to Ohio’s School District Income Tax”. https://www.tax.ohio.gov/school_district_income.aspx
For retirees in the state of Ohio, there are two types of School District Income Taxes, one BAD, one GOOD.
The BAD Tax is a School District “traditional base tax”. The same tax retirees pay today to the state of Ohio. The BAD tax includes pension and retirement income. Today, approximately 144 Ohio School systems have implemented this voter approved tax. ORC 5748.021 allows a school district with a traditional base tax to go to the ballot to replace that tax with an earned income base tax.
The GOOD Tax is School District “earned income base tax”. On page 4 of the above mentioned Guide, it states that Earned Income Tax excludes such items as interest, dividends, capital gains and pensions. The City of Loveland utilizes this form of taxation on our retired pensions.
Today, approximately fifty-nine Ohio school systems have implemented this voter-approved tax. Earned Income taxes range from a low of one-quarter percent to a high of two percent.
Loveland voters should be aware that a school board can adopt only one School District Income base tax, not both. So earned income base tax is the solution for we retirees. ORC 5748.02 (E) prohibits a district from having school district income tax levies with both bases.
After the unsupported March 2020 Property Tax Levy is defeated, I would suggest the
Loveland City School District seriously consider, in their next proposed tax levy, a properly vetted and much lower combined school tax levy consisting of a property tax … AND … a earned income tax.
For the benefit of our many retired Loveland residents, the primary goal is to soften the financial impact on them every time our school district needs to acquire more funds to operate their many programs.
A secondary goal is to ensure the school district discusses in detail with our concerned and extremely knowledgeable residents and voters prior to the next tax levy being placed on the ballot.If a favorable response from the community is received then a combined lower property tax levy AND earned income base tax should be proposed.
Common sense indicates that Loveland School District would do well to garner residential voter endorsement, rather than opposition.
Walter D. Golladay is a resident of Loveland, Ohio
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has invited the community to attend the 2019-20 State of the Schools student-led open house to experience the teaching and learning that takes place in the district.
“This is the third consecutive year that we put our students front and center to lead the State of the Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “There really is no better way to illustrate education at Loveland. The students will showcase programs and activities that make the Portrait of a Tiger come alive, highlighting the skills they learn here.”
You will have the opportunity to interact with students of all ages and there will be music performances by nationally recognized groups like the Loveland Show Choirs, Mallet Madness, and the Jazz Program. There will be robotics team demonstrations and a wide variety of exhibits and displays from the classrooms.
In case of inclement weather, the events will take place on Thursday, February 6.
The Student-led State of the Schools Open House is Wednesday, January 29, 6 until 7:30 PM at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, Ohio, 45140).
Watch these LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos of Cassie Mattia interviewing students at last year’s Student-led State of the Schools Open House…
Click to watch the interview Cassie Mattia did with Delaney Dunlap
My Mom, her grandma, had to talk me off the ledge when we found out about her condition 5 months before she was born. I was beside myself with thoughts of my child not fitting in, or being made fun of, or not doing what other kids can do… and all my Mom kept saying was, “She will be awesome, she will inspire others”. I brushed it off as Mom speak – don’t know why I did that since she was right most of the time, but I did. I do see now what she meant..
Delaney is strong-willed and independent and I couldn’t be more proud watching her have a conversation with you about it.
It really is a testament to this community, her friends, and her teachers just to name a few, who have nurtured her growth along the way.
Thanks again to you and David Miller for stepping out and showcasing what makes Loveland such a great place to live.
Read the full story about why Delaney Dunlap is in Loveland’s DNA…
11 Year Old Local is “Tumbling” into a Bright Future!
Ben Westley, Jordan Sovik and Sam Greenberg accepted the challenge of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Students of the Year fundraising campaign last summer
WANT TO HELP?
Community members can help in several ways between now and February 28:
Dine at (or take out) during one of the 12 restaurant events, where part of proceeds will go to the campaign.
Attend a special event: LMS/LIS Dodgeball Tournament, Tumble Bee open sessions, LIS, LMS and LHS Benefit Talent Show, etc.
Loveland, Ohio – “I decided to do Students of the Year because it sounded like fun, challanging, and rewarding,” said Sam Greenberg. He said he was excited to work with his friends to raise money for a worthwhile cause.
Sam Greenberg, Jordan Sovik and Ben Westley – all seniors at Loveland High School accepted the challenge to be part of the 2020 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Students of the Year Campaign. 19 teams from across the region will be competing with the common goal of raising dollars for LLS and creating awareness about blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.
“The mission of the LLS is to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families,” said Kathryn Rose, a teacher at Loveland Middle School. Rose serves on the LLS Student of the Year leadership team in Cincinnati and has been personally affected through the loss of a family member to blood cancer. “The Students of the Year campaign helps LLS’s mission, while also allowing students to gain invaluable experience through an advanced leadership and philanthropy program,” she said.
Team CUREage has been at work for months, planning and meeting with business leaders in the area to discuss ideas for how to involve the whole community in the fundraising efforts. At this time, they have put nearly 30 events on the calendar, filling almost every day of the campaign with an opportunity to raise money for LLS.
“These students make up an incredible team with their dedication and hard work,” said Rose. “They are amazing role models for younger students who will continue their legacy and create tradition here in Loveland.
A schedule of events can be accessed here. Please note that additional events may be added and informational flyers will be posted on the School District’s website.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education voted to hold regular monthly business meetings at 6 PM on the third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted with an asterisk (*) in the schedule below. The meetings will be held in the Loveland Middle/Intermediate School Media Center on 757 South Lebanon Road.
January 21, 2020
February 18, 2020
March 19, 2020 (third Thursday)*
April 21, 2020
May 19, 2020
June 23, 2020 (fourth Tuesday)*
August 11, 2020 (second Tuesday)*
September 22, 2020 (fourth Tuesday)*
October 20, 2020
November 17, 2020
No regular business meeting is scheduled for the months of July and December.
The Board also voted to conduct other regular meetings, primarily as work sessions, on the first Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted (*) in the listing below. These meetings will also be held in the Loveland Middle/Intermediate School Media Center at 6 PM on the following dates:
February 4, 2020
March 3, 2020
April 7, 2020
May 5, 2020
June 2, 2020
September 1, 2020
October 6, 2020
November 5, 2020 (first Thursday)*
December 8, 2020 (second Tuesday)*
No regular work session is scheduled for July or August.
Others will answer that question with another bumper sticker, “Sustain, Maintain and Protect”, claiming the levy is needed to maintain the status quo.
buy better grades.
Classic
by Walter D. Golladay
Sam Greenberg, Jordan Sovik and Ben Westley – all seniors at Loveland High School accepted the challenge to be part of the 2020 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Students of the Year Campaign. 19 teams from across the region will be competing with the common goal of raising dollars for LLS and creating awareness about blood cancers like leukemia, which is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.
