Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Janet Lane addressed the Board regarding the failed levy
Loveland, Ohio – On November 19, before a packed, stand on the furniture in the back for a better view, house, Janet Lane took to the open forum microphone to express views on the recently failed levy that was on the November 5 ballot. The Board asked voters to approve issuing bonds for $118,515,000 and a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill. The levy was rejected by voters 78-22 per-cent.

The Board is currently considering placing another levy on the ballot in March of 2020. They say they will need to submit ballot language for a potential operating levy on the March ballot no later than December 18, requiring a first resolution to be passed at the December 10 board meeting.

Lane’s comments were during the regular business meeting of the Board where residents are allowed to sit in front of a microphone for 3 minutes to talk to the Board, the Administration, and the other audience members about anything relating to the operation of the District.

There was another meeting that night following the business meeting. It was facilitated by Jeffrey Stec, the Director of Citizens for Civic Renewal. The District hired Citizens for Civic Renewal to conduct this public meeting.

The District has published a PowerPoint presentation, notes by the facilitator, and comments received in writing from community members at the 2nd meeting. An unedited Board video from the input session can be found here.

Te next meeting of the Board will be on November 26 at 6 PM in the LMS/LIS Media Center. (View the Agenda) Among agenda items is a “Recommended Action” by the Superintendent to cancel the contract with Allerton Hill Consulting. Another item is a resolution put forth by the Treasurer to participate in Ohio Open Checkbook. The Board is also expected to appoint an Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee. You can read the proposal below.*

Other Meetings:
- Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM (special meeting)
- Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (work session)
- Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM (special meeting)
*Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee

This ad hoc advisory committee has been established for the purpose of helping the Board of Education to determine whether a March ballot issue is feasible or not. The committee will work with the Board while the meeting is in session which will allow for interaction between committee members and board members.

On 11/26, the committee will be invited to join the meeting after the board has concluded regular business outlined on the agenda. On 12/3, the full board meeting time will likely be given to the work of the committee.

Should the work result in a determination that a March ballot language is feasible, we must meet election timelines. The determination of millage for a ballot issue in March 2020 must be approved in a formal resolution of necessity by the Board of Education on 12/10/19. Seven days later (12/17) the Board must approve a resolution to proceed. The resolutions must be given to the Board of Elections by 12/18/19.

Should the work result in a determination that March is not feasible, the Board and community will focus on a November 2020 operating levy.

Following the 12/3/19 meeting, this committee will be dissolved having served its intended objective. However, should the format be successful we will develop a system to continue the work and identify a way to give more people an opportunity to participate if they wish.

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Nov 25, 2019
Dale Friemoth addresses Board of Education about failed levy
Loveland, Ohio – On November 19, before a packed, stand on the furniture in the back for a better view, house, Dale Friemoth took to the open forum microphone to express views on the recently failed levy that was on the November 5 ballot. The Board asked voters to approve issuing bonds for $118,515,000 and a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill. The levy was rejected by voters 78-22 per-cent.

The Board is currently considering placing another levy on the ballot in March of 2020. They say they will need to submit ballot language for a potential operating levy on the March ballot no later than December 18, requiring a first resolution to be passed at the December 10 board meeting.

Friemoth’s comments were during the regular business meeting of the Board where residents are allowed to sit in front of a microphone for 3 minutes to talk to the Board, the Administration, and the other audience members about anything relating to the operation of the District.

There was another meeting that night following the business meeting. It was facilitated by Jeffrey Stec, the Director of Citizens for Civic Renewal. The District hired Citizens for Civic Renewal to conduct this public meeting.

The District has published a PowerPoint presentation, notes by the facilitator, and comments received in writing from community members at the 2nd meeting. An unedited Board video from the input session can be found here.

Te next meeting of the Board will be on November 26 at 6 PM in the LMS/LIS Media Center. (View the Agenda) Among agenda items is a “Recommended Action” by the Superintendent to cancel the contract with Allerton Hill Consulting. Another item is a resolution put forth by the Treasurer to participate in Ohio Open Checkbook. The Board is also expected to appoint an Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee. You can read the proposal below.*

Other Meetings:
- Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM (special meeting)
- Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (work session)
- Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM (special meeting)
*Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee

This ad hoc advisory committee has been established for the purpose of helping the Board of Education to determine whether a March ballot issue is feasible or not. The committee will work with the Board while the meeting is in session which will allow for interaction between committee members and board members.

On 11/26, the committee will be invited to join the meeting after the board has concluded regular business outlined on the agenda. On 12/3, the full board meeting time will likely be given to the work of the committee.

Should the work result in a determination that a March ballot language is feasible, we must meet election timelines. The determination of millage for a ballot issue in March 2020 must be approved in a formal resolution of necessity by the Board of Education on 12/10/19. Seven days later (12/17) the Board must approve a resolution to proceed. The resolutions must be given to the Board of Elections by 12/18/19.

Should the work result in a determination that March is not feasible, the Board and community will focus on a November 2020 operating levy.

Following the 12/3/19 meeting, this committee will be dissolved having served its intended objective. However, should the format be successful we will develop a system to continue the work and identify a way to give more people an opportunity to participate if they wish.

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Nov 24, 2019
Telling us that our children are not safe was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me

Not only did Allerton Hill’s tactics divide this community with the “stick to the message at all costs” and scare tactics, but telling us that our children are not safe was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.

by Anna Bunker

You have awakened our sleepy little community to the fact that we can no longer trust the judgment of the Loveland Board of Education to represent our community in matters relating to the Loveland City School District. When you were elected, we gave you our trust to act in the best interest of our community and a few weeks ago the polls stated you have have not.

This is the outline of Anna Bunker’s speech to the Board of Education during the Hearing of the Public portion of the meeting on November 19

As a group, you have lost my trust in your ability to recognize what the community needs. We shouldn’t need to be sold the idea of 3 new buildings, 110 acres of land, security upgrades, etc… If the Superintendent and Board of Education spent the same amount of time educating the community before they voted on adopting the plan as they did to promote it during the election, I think we would be having a much different conversation today.

The fact is you knew this was a big ask and tried to hide the overall costs in the fine print. You conducted a survey before you voted on putting this on the ballot and the survey told you that 90% of the people surveyed had no or little idea about the Building Tiger Nation plan. In that same survey, you were told that 50% of the people believed Loveland already had high taxes.

And even with this information, you approved the plan and put it on the ballot anyway.

Speaking of communications, the fact that you felt the need to hire Allerton Hill with a price tag of $133,000 to sell this levy to the community has to be one of the biggest mistakes you made. This is not Washington DC or New York City, this is Loveland, Ohio, a caring and trusting community that takes care of one another.

Not only did Allerton Hill’s tactics divide this community with the “stick to the message at all costs” and scare tactics, but telling us that our children are not safe was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.

This was just a scare tactic because the truth is our Tiger community is safe.

How dare you tell our community and surrounding communities that our schools are not safe!

Are there improvements that can be made, of course.

Are there changes you would like to implement, of course.

But our schools are safe.

This was just a scare tactic because the truth is our Tiger community is safe. We have amazing administrators, teachers, staff, and safety officers that in an emergency will do their best to keep our children safe. There will always be some new theory or strategy on school safety, but it doesn’t mean our kids are not safe.

I believe you are all good people acting with good intentions. But I also believe somewhere along the road things went sideways and you may have forgotten why you initially ran for this position.

Fool me once, shame you, Fool me twice, shame on me.

What am I going to do? I am going to keep our Political Action Committee up and running to ensure two things:

1) A seat on the Board of Education will never be unopposed again.

2) I will do my best to keep myself informed and continue to keep the Loveland community informed, so they are never blindsided again.

You have not only lost my trust in your ability to represent our community’s needs, but you have also lost my vote.

Nov 21, 2019
Superintendent asks for more frequent, direct feedback

by Dr. Amy Crouse

After reflecting on the election results of last week, it is clear that the district needs more frequent, direct feedback and engagement from the Loveland Schools community, including parents, residents, and staff. Our Board of Education, along with the school administration, is taking the results of the failed combined levy very seriously and is asking for your guidance in determining the next steps to ensure we continue to support our goal of providing the best education for Loveland children.

On Tuesday, November 19, we invite you to join us for a brief Board of Education business meeting and a community input/listening session that will follow. We want to hear from you, and need your honest and direct feedback.

It is my sincere hope that we – together – will find ways to move forward for the benefit of our community as a whole.

Dr. Amy Crouse is the Superintendent of the Loveland City School District

Nov 16, 2019
Restoring Trust: Recommendations for the Loveland Board of Education

By Kim and Rick Donaldson

A large portion of the Loveland community has lost faith in the Loveland board of education and school administration. This is clear from the decisive 78% to 22% defeat of the school levy and bond issue on November 5^th. Further evidence is provided by the fact that the two board members running for reelection each garnered only around 50% of the vote while running unopposed, meaning that half of those who voted chose to vote for neither of them. Before putting another levy on the ballot, the board needs to take substantive actions to regain the community’s trust.

Before putting another levy on the ballot, the board needs to take substantive actions to regain the community’s trust.

Others in the community have recommended three actions: terminate the land purchase contract with the Grail, terminate the Allerton Hill consulting contract and implement Ohio’s open checkbook. All three are excellent ideas and we support them wholeheartedly. These three actions would demonstrate that the board is responding to the electorate and that they are committed to communicating openly, honestly and with full financial transparency. In addition, the board needs to demonstrate a commitment to providing strong, fiscally responsible governance in the future.

We, therefore, recommend two additional actions

The first is to implement an annual budgeting process that starts with a strict cost cap tied to taxpayers’ ability to pay. A relatively simple way to do this would be to limit the total expenditure per student, including both operating and non-operating expenditures, to a fixed percentage of the median income in the district. We recommend a limit of 20%, which according to the Ohio Department of Education data corresponds to 2013 levels, before the ramp-up that occurred over subsequent years. This would serve to ensure that school taxes do not continue to consume an ever-increasing portion of household income and restrict tax levies to levels more acceptable to voters.

Because of its focus on cost versus benefit, this method forces much better prioritization and decision making than the typical method.

The second action is to use a zero-based budgeting approach to allocate money within the budget cap. This is a standard budgeting method in which the budget allotted to each expense category starts at a base level of zero and moves up from that level only to the extent that is justified by its benefit. Because of its focus on cost versus benefit, this method forces much better prioritization and decision making than the typical method wherein each expense is assumed to start at the prior year’s level plus a standard annual increase. In this context, benefits would need to be defined as proven, quantifiable impacts on academic performance in order to ensure we deliver the best education our community can afford for our children.

Taking these actions now would go a long way toward convincing the community that the Loveland board of education is actively supervising school administrators, ensuring sound management of the school system and advancing the interests of the entire community.

After all, that is what we elected them for?

Kim and Rick Donaldson live in the Grailville neighborhood of Miami Township

Nov 16, 2019
[Loveland Magazine TV] Eleven Outstanding Loveland High School Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent

Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Eleven Tigers made the community of Loveland proud on Wednesday each committing to playing athletics at the collegiate level. Loveland High School invited the community to attend its annual 2019 Fall Sports Signing Day ceremony where each athlete was able to sign their National Letter of Intent with their coaches, friends, and families present!

Loveland High School Athletic Director, Brian Conaster, in front of a packed LHS gym, first presented each athlete along with their accolades and then proceeded in asking that athlete to officially sign their letter of intent. Loveland Magazine TV was lucky enough to capture the memorable ceremony on camera! Experience the Tiger ceremony for yourselves and click below to see the full 2019 National Letter of Intent Signing Day at Loveland High School! GO TIGERS!

Loveland Magazine congratulates the following, on committing to play their sport at the collegiate level:

Kate Garry – Basketball – University of Akron
Jillian Hayes – Basketball – University of Cincinnati
Brandon Day – Swim – University of Utah
Kristin Thomas – XC/Track – Georgetown
Kaitlyn Andrews – Soccer – University of Cincinnati
Claire Massey – Soccer – Taylor University
Maria Bashardoust – Soccer – Cleveland State University
Caitlin Elam – Soccer – University of Louisville
Carson Deer – Baseball – University of Tennessee-Martin
Allison Rountree – Golf – Ohio Northern University
Riley Bullock – Dive – Ball State University

LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV IS SPONSORED BY MOVE2LOVELAND

Nov 15, 2019
Residents invited to attend input session at the November 19 Board of Education meeting

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education will meet for a regularly scheduled business meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 6 PM, which will include a hearing of the public. Immediately following the meeting, the board will host an opportunity for dialogue between the community, the board, and the administration.

The board will need to submit ballot language for a potential operating levy on the March ballot no later than December 18, requiring a first resolution to be passed at the December 10 board meeting.

“We welcome input from our residents on how to gain community support for the school district to meet its financial needs going forward,” said Art Jarvis, board president. “Based on the results of the recent election, we are not able to pursue a comprehensive approach to the facilities issues as proposed in our master plan at this time. We must, however, continue to serve our Loveland students with a quality education. An analysis of the district expenses will be made over the coming weeks and we are asking our residents to provide input on what they are willing to support in terms of educational programs and services.”

The board will need to submit ballot language for a potential operating levy on the March ballot no later than December 18, requiring a first resolution to be passed at the December 10 board meeting. In order to prepare, the board has added three meetings to its regular meeting schedule and may supplement with additional opportunities for the community to provide input in the process.

Loveland Board of Education adds several meetings to schedule

Read on…

The Board of Education’s full meeting schedule can be found here. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the LMS/LIS Media Center on 757 South Lebanon Road.

Nov 14, 2019
[Video Slide Show] St. Columban students Salute Local Veterans

Columnist Cassia Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Veteran’s Day this year was another one for the books as fully uniformed St. Columban students marched down Oakland Road to the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial, located at the corner of Riverside and West Loveland. In honor of St. Columban’s Annual Walk for Local Veterans dozens of 7th and 8th-grade students from St. Columban School gathered around the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial with local veterans as a service was conducted in their honor.

During the Veterans Day service, some students were seen holding American flags while others stood up to speak about Veterans Day and what it meant to them and their families. Veterans from all over joined the St. Columban 7th and 8th-grade students as they discussed their experiences with the students and assisted in pinning up beautiful blue ribbons in representation of Loveland’s veterans.

Loveland Magazine was lucky enough to capture on camera both the inspirational and patriotic moments that occurred at the St. Columban’s Veteran’s Day walk and service! Click below to take the Veteran’s Day Annual Walk with the 7th and 8th-grade students of St. Columban!

LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV IS SPONSORED BY MOVE2LOVELAND

Nov 13, 2019
L.H.S’s Mike Dunlap Provides Tiger Students and Athletes the Tools for a Bright Future

Loveland, Ohio – Loveland has always been known as a community filled with love, hence why Loveland is called the “Sweetheart of Ohio.” Each and every citizen in Loveland makes up an important piece of the community, but in saying that it’s up to the citizen as to what they do with their role as an important piece of that community. This is what makes up a community’s “D.N.A.”

Over the past year, Loveland Magazine has been in search of community members that truly play an important role in Loveland’s D.N.A. Thus far we have found some very special candidates for our feature column, “What’s In Loveland’s D.N.A.” After taking some time to really search for the next featured candidate we finally came across someone who not only lives in Loveland but has dedicated their career to impacting the youth of Loveland in the most positive way possible!

Mike Dunlap has been an active member of the Loveland Community since 5th grade, and yes he was a Loveland Tiger! Dunlap teaches Science at Loveland High School and is the head coach of Loveland High School’s Men’s Soccer Team. Dunlap has been involved with LHS and the Tiger students for over 20 years and his dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed!

Mike “Flipped” his Classroom

Growing up Dunlap admitted that he struggled with ADHD and so learning something in the classroom and then trying to go home and apply what he learned in his homework was a huge struggle! When Dunlap got the teaching position at Loveland High School he knew that there would be students that struggled with ADHD just like him. This is when Dunlap introduced “Flipping the Classroom” to his students. With this teaching model students are able to watch pre-recorded lectures as their “homework assignment” and then do the traditional homework in class with the teacher and fellow students. When Dunlap introduced this idea to his students their grade point averages shot up almost immediately! Dunlap’s influence in the classroom and on the soccer field is why he is known for shaping so many student-athletes into successful individuals!

Loveland Magazine TV presents “What’s In Loveland’s D.N.A” featuring Mike Dunlap! Click below for the full-length interview!

LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV IS SPONSORED BY MOVE2LOVELAND

Read more “23 & Loveland” profiles…

Nov 11, 2019
Loveland High School’s 2019 Fall Athletes’ and Coaches Receive Multiple ECC Awards

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – It’s no secret to the Loveland community that Loveland High School is home to some of Ohio’s top athletes! The Loveland Tigers had quite the 2019 Fall sports season in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference collecting 5 conference titles, 4 Coach of the Year titles, 2 Athlete of the Year titles and several All-Conference First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mention accolades.

With all of the victories and accolades, Loveland High School Athletics has put on the board for the 2019 Season thus far puts the Tigers at the number 1 spot with 62 points for the ECC All-Sports Trophy, which is one of the highest honors the ECC bestows. With the 2019 Fall sports season coming to an end there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that winning the ECC All-Sports Trophy may, in fact, be in Loveland High School’s near future!

The Eastern Cincinnati Conference released the teams, athletes, and coaches that were awarded All ECC honors on their website for the 2019 Fall sports season. Below Loveland Magazine collected the results for each Loveland High School Fall sports team that received ECC honors. At this time Football ECC awards have not been posted.

Loveland Magazine and the community of Loveland want to take a moment to congratulate the teams, athletes and coaches that were awarded these incredible accolades and wish them the best on their future athletic endeavors! GO TIGERS!

Women’s Volleyball

2019 ECC Champs

Coach of the Year

Brian Baugh

FIRST TEAM

Clara Planner

SECOND TEAM

Diana Clark

HONORABLE MENTION

Maya Jepson

Men’s Soccer

2019 ECC Champs

Coach of the Year

Mike Dunlap

Athlete of the Year

Cole Harter

FIRST TEAM

Cole Harter

Connor Patton

Emmett Webb

SECOND TEAM

Helge Harris

Kees Ciric

Addison Hearn

Brayden Shepherd

HONORABLE MENTION

Dylan Schwinn

Women’s Soccer

FIRST TEAM

Kaitlyn Andrews

Maria Bashardoust

Lauren Donovan

Claire Massey

SECOND TEAM

Leiah Goedde

Brooke Hatfield

Abby Pawlikowski

HONORABLE MENTION

Georgie Early

Men’s Cross Country

FIRST TEAM

Ryan Chevalier

Brady Steiner

SECOND TEAM

Alex Ditchen

Kyle Griffin

Ajay Stutz

HONORABLE MENTION

Sam Dippold

Women’s Cross Country

2019 ECC Champs

Coach of the Year

Steve Nester

FIRST TEAM

Ellie Carr

Jessie Gibbons

Sarah Madix

Emmy Sager

SECOND TEAM

Bella Dillhoff

Audrey O’Keefe

Ansley Richards

HONORABLE MENTION

Ally Colgate

Men’s Golf

2019 ECC Champs

FIRST TEAM

Joe Jankowski

Jeffrey Main

Tyler Vallee

HONORABLE MENTION

Aiden Callahan

Women’s Golf

SECOND TEAM

Allison Rountree

HONORABLE MENTION

Amy Emme

Women’s Tennis

2019 ECC Champs

Coach of the Year

Dara Hudson

Athlete of the Year

Anna Svitkovich

FIRST TEAM

Anna Svitkovich – SINGLES

Tess Broermann and Hanna Wenger– DOUBLES

SECOND TEAM

Grace Haught – SINGLES

HONORABLE MENTION

Alex Hytree – SINGLES

Nov 9, 2019