Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Loveland Magazine

  • Robert Giuffre : “Pass it Forward”

    Robert Giuffre : “Pass it Forward”

    by Robert Giuffre

    Robert (Rob) Giuffre is a resident of Loveland and a retired public-school treasurer, having served four districts including Loveland

    I have been a proud Loveland resident for twenty-three years. As a retired public-school treasurer, having served four districts including Loveland, I am familiar with Loveland School’s fiscal operations and its needs in placing the November 5th levy on the ballot…While this levy request is certainly about numbers, I encourage you to read this article and consider critical aspects of this levy request. (Loveland Board of Education asks for combined 16.78-mill levy)

    As a former school treasurer, I am well versed in school finance. I have been challenged throughout my career trying to explain how the laws governing school funding work and what their impact has been on school districts over the years. This redirection of tax-payer dollars by our legislators has fallen on our lap to explain. We have had little or no input on preserving the level of school funding voted and approved by our community. These legislative decisions cost Ohio school districts millions of dollars each

    a year and are almost impossible to explain to stakeholders. All I would ask of you is to consider that your feelings about this levy are not fully directed at the leadership of this district. Please understand your legislators’ responsibility for the confusion surrounding school funding and the redirection of tax dollars.

    With that, Loveland City Schools has a long and documented history of strong conservative fiscal management and has kept its commitments to this community. Two examples I would like to bring to your attention are: The District vowed that the last levy in 2014, would last for four years and it has lasted for five and a half. Twenty years ago, when I was still the District Treasurer, this community supported a bond issue to build and to renovate its buildings. Past and current students and community members benefit still from these facilities. Now, it is time to move forward with renovations and construction of new buildings for the next generation.

    This levy request is about what is best for our children and our community.  Students cannot learn as well in these rapidly changing times in buildings that are older than my fifty-year-old house. As we all know, maintaining, operating and implementing technology costs significantly more in old buildings as opposed to new construction. You may not be aware that students are currently being taught in temporary trailers and hallways. The one-time cost of new construction is certainly more frugal than continuing to expend operating funds year after year on dated facilities. Energy efficiency, our children’s safety and the continuing evolution of technological integration are our new normal. Unfortunately, safety training has become an urgent and critical component of our children’s and our community’s education. You own

    these facilities and although the Board of Education and Administration provide leadership, you are ultimately responsible to provide that which our children need to be safe so they can succeed. Our buildings do not have current safety and security infrastructure to protect against real threats facing them.

    The quality of our schools has a direct impact on the quality of our community and its economic stability, including the value of our property.  Legitimizing a “no” vote without taking into consideration these critical realities is short-sighted.

    As we each make up our minds about how to vote on November 5th, I ask that you consider not just the numbers, but also what the school district has consistently delivered for our children and for this community.  There is a shift in education. This vote is about all our children, the lives of the children of our community. This responsibility belongs to all of us. The return on investment will come both soon and later. Actually, return on investment has already been provided for us by voters in the past.  PASS IT FORWARD, please.

  • Dear Fellow Residents of Loveland School District from a “New Guy”

    Dear Fellow Residents of Loveland School District from a “New Guy”

    by Tony Mackzum

    Tony Mackzum lives in Paxton Woods – (Photo Provided)

    I am a lifelong West Sider who moved his young family to Paxton Woods last summer. Since I am new to this side of town, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and feelings with you regarding the recent ongoing Loveland School District Levy debate. (Loveland Board of Education asks for combined 16.78-mill levy)

    While my family is younger in nature, my football and soccer friends in Loveland call me the Old Dad, which I wear with great pride. A few extra years of doing things well and not so well at times has allowed me a history perspective to see both sides of this debate.  

      1. First and foremost, everyone’s economic situations are fluid and unique, but either way, both sides should try to respect the other side’s opinion and show class at all times while debating this topic on all social media formats and in person.  
      2. If you don’t spend at least 30 minutes researching the topic, then your opinion loses value and can’t be supported by anything other than emotions or a popularity contest trying to fit in.
      3. If you don’t have children in the past, now, or planned future within the district then it is OK for you to vote NO, but remember if the levy fails you will not realize as much on the sale of your residence when you want to sell and that is a fact no matter where you live or what you do within the district. It is a proven equation that better schools equal better property values for all, just look at the demand for Loveland recently vs surrounding school districts.  
      4. If you vote NO now because you think there will be a better plan or idea later, You’re Mistaken, we chose to leave the West Side because once levies fail they almost never get going again as strong as the last one voted NO.
      5. If you think we don’t need three schools then you haven’t comparative shopped school systems lately. My wife and I spent months reading and visiting school districts around the city, and we chose to overlook the fact that only the high school was comparable because we figured the funding was already in place for replacements due to the outstanding history of the school district. Trust me we noticed, and it plays a role in future decisions that go back to school systems providing the demand for your house if and when you choose to sell it.  
      6. I am an accountant, and the cost of capital currently being offered to the school district at this point in time is the lowest it will ever be, and will cost us more in the long run if we pass on this chance or nickel and dime it because we don’t see the need for certain things of benefit to all of us in some fashion monetarily or in benefit of use.  

    Sincerely, 

    The New Guy

  • City of Loveland Council Candidate Forum on October 16

    City of Loveland Council Candidate Forum on October 16

    EDITOR’S NOTE AND CORRECTION: This article originally stated the wrong date for the November election. The correct date is November 5, 2019
    Loveland, Ohio – There will be a City of Loveland Council Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 16, at 7 PM at the Loveland Middle School Media Center.
    The evening is a joint production of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and Loveland Magazine. The evening will be recorded and re-broadcast by LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV. If possible, it will be live-streamed on Loveland Magazine’s Facebook Page as was done in 2017.

    The format will follow the same as in the past:

    • Candidates will each present for 2 minutes in the beginning to introduce themselves
    • Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass
    • After 60 minutes candidates will close with a 2 minute speech

    Residents will be putting their questions into a “hat,” and all questions will be screened for duplication by a third party. We will ask as many of the questions as time allows in the 60 minutes.

    The Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman has asked the Honorable Judge Brad Greenburg (Hamilton County Courthouse) to serve as the emcee.

    The Chamber and Loveland Magazine feels it is important to allow the residents/voters to meet and ask questions before going to vote on November 5. We intend to provide the community with the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed choice when voting.

  • Gathering the facts to make an informed decision

    Gathering the facts to make an informed decision

    by Dr. Amy Crouse

    As the superintendent of the Loveland City School District, it is my responsibility to ensure that every child in our district has access to quality education while managing our tax dollars wisely and providing a good value to residents. I take this responsibility seriously.

    Dr. Amy Crouse is Superintendent, Loveland City School District

    Another responsibility I take very seriously is the dissemination of facts. This is why we have been hosting community chats and forums, such as the event held on September 12; it’s why we are constantly updating our website and addressing frequently asked questions; and it’s why we are so intent on engaging with our community. It is imperative that our residents have the facts in order to make an informed decision at the ballot on November 5. And some of what we’re seeing out there, well, it’s simply not accurate.

    What is accurate is that Loveland City Schools have reached a critical juncture: We have overcrowding, with some classes being held in hallways and in trailers, we have three old buildings for which repair costs have reached the threshold where industry standards recommend replacement over renovation, and we have a need to secure additional operating dollars. The needs facing our schools are very real and immediate.

    Over these last several years, we have spent time working with the community on a plan that is cost-efficient and meets the school district’s needs. This is the ballot issue facing voters with the Tuesday, November 5 election.

    We realize that this ballot issue is no small ask. We also realize, like the community members who helped identify and prioritize the needs, that it is more cost effective to do the work all at once and that the longer we wait, the more expensive it will be to remedy the needs facing our schools.

    Large amounts of money would have to be spent on other temporary solutions, like trailers, instead of putting the dollars toward real solutions for the long term.

    When considering this ballot issue, it is important to note that there is no zero-cost option with our facilities and the needs do not go away over time if we continue with the status quo. In fact, continuing to do so with our facilities comes at a substantial cost – we would need to divert funds from the classroom to pay for critical repairs, which are still only temporary fixes to problems that don’t go away. We would need to put off important safety and security updates in the buildings and continue to make do with antiquated science and technology laboratories and learning spaces. Large amounts of money would have to be spent on other temporary solutions, like trailers, instead of putting the dollars toward real solutions for the long term.

    I encourage you to visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” section on our website.

    These are important considerations for our community – it comes down to how we want our schools to operate. So that you can be informed about the facts regarding the district work, planning and needs, I encourage you to visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” section on our website. Among other facts on this page, we have also included the updated cost information that shows the board’s intent to structure the financing so that the overall impact of the tax is phased in for residents over three years. This helps residents and it helps meet the school district’s needs.

    In service to our Tigers.

  • When does a dream become a nightmare!

    When does a dream become a nightmare!

    by James Visconti

    In the past 4 years our school board has been working on a plan to cover an anticipated increase in the student enrollment and the replacement of older schools with a super campus; that is second to none. This is the dream. Then the nightmare began trying to figure out how to pay for this this campus and justify nonexistent increases in student enrollment.

    THE PLAN TO PAY FOR IT

    After countless meetings and input from many different sources a decision was made to place a tax levy totaling 16.78 mils on the November ballot.

    James Visconti is a resident of Pheasantwoods in the City of Loveland

    Unfortunately, most Loveland residents were unaware of this process and the impact to their taxes until the ballot information came out. What it means to most property owners is an increase of $588 per $100,000 dollars of your homes appraised value, not the assessed value. Yes, the school board did vote and passed a resolution to alter the first two years of the collection but from the third-year forward is the full amount. This is an addition to the 45 mils already on the books for schools and does not preclude the school board from placing additional levies on the ballot in future years.  

    THE NUMBERS

    The initial numbers used by the school board to forecast the increase in enrollment was 20% over the next five years. When in fact it by their own admission it is more likely to be 5% over the next five years. Without this increase, one of the reasons for the new schools is gone. It should be noted that enrollment for the last 15 years has been relatively flat. Since, 2008 has been dropping including the last year despite all of the local development. Enrollment of 4,837 in 2008. Per the Ohio School report card 4,428 in 2019.

    The next number of concern is the age of the Loveland Primary School which houses grades 1-4. Built in 1941 the school has had several remodels over the years but will eventually need to be replaced but when and at what cost? 

    Why does the school district use 3 classrooms at Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) for half day preschool classes when none are required by law? 

    Why does the school district use 3 classrooms at LECC for full-day kindergarten classes when none are required by law? 

    OUR RIGHTS

    We have the right to expect our elected officials to act in the best interest of those being asked to foot the bill!

    We have the right to ask any and all questions and have them answered without first putting them in writing in an open board meeting!

    We have the right to expect our tax dollars to be spent to educate our children not to build a super campus. 

    We have the right not to be taxed out of our homes! 

    We have the right to VOTE NO on November 5

    I for one am going to exercise that right!

  • Loveland High School students among the best academically in the nation

    Loveland High School students among the best academically in the nation

    A Letter of Commendation will be presented to Seniors (left to right) Ashley George, Samantha James, Simon Grome, Daniel Hinrichsen and Zachary Case by Loveland High School and the National Merit Scholarship Program.

     

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District congratulates Loveland High School (LHS) Seniors Zachary Case, Ashley George, Simon Grome,Daniel Hinrichsen and Samantha James, who have been named Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

    Approximately 34,000 test takers in the United States qualified as Commended Students by placing among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2018.

    “We are thrilled to have five Commended Students at Loveland High School this year,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “This is truly a fantastic accomplishment by each one of them and an amazing stepping stone in their continued pursuit of academic success.”

  • Loveland High School Class of 2019 reaches new heights through their performance on multiple AP exams

    Loveland High School Class of 2019 reaches new heights through their performance on multiple AP exams

    Loveland, Ohio – Each fall, College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams. Recently released information shows that the Class of 2019 achieved the highest numbers to date for Loveland High School, with:

    • 142 total Scholars (average exam score of 3.94)
    • 65 AP Scholars
    • 31 AP Scholars with Honor
    • 46 AP Scholars with Distinction
    • 5 National AP Scholars

    “I am very proud of our students’ achievements and of the incredible educators at Loveland who taught the classes and prepared the students for the exams.” – Principal Peggy Johnson

    “We have worked diligently over the past several years to increase our AP course offerings and have nearly doubled the AP classes available at Loveland High School,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “I am very proud of our students’ achievements and of the incredible educators at Loveland who taught the classes and prepared the students for the exams.”

    In March, LHS was recognized as one of less than a dozen public high schools in Ohio to earn College Board’s inaugural AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award. Only 685 of more than 18,000 secondary schools worldwide offering AP courses were selected for the award, which recognizes them for expanding young womens’ access to AP Computer Science courses. LHS was also included on the 9thAnnual AP Honor Roll for increasing overall access to AP courses while maintaining or improving the rate at which students earned scores of 3 or higher.

    “We have built up great momentum in academic achievement at Loveland,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “The recent AP Scholar data shows that our efforts to continue to add valuable programming for our students are making a real difference in their lives; entering college with credit or advanced placement experience makes the transition from high school easier, both academically and financially.”

    For more information about AP Scholars, visit CollegeBoard at https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/awards-recognitions/ap-scholar-award

  • Loveland Tigers Sports Teams Continue Their Runs For ECC Titles!

    Loveland Tigers Sports Teams Continue Their Runs For ECC Titles!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – As Fall quickly approaches so does ECC postseason tournaments! Loveland High School Tiger teams gave everything they had this week in order to improve their ECC standings and in saying that there were some very impressive league battles! Here’s the Loveland Sports 411 with Cassie Mattia for September 16th through the 22nd!

    Golf

    The Loveland Tigers Boys Golf Team competed in 3 golf meets this week proving that their swings are not to be messed with! Tuesday the 17th the boys went to Wyoming Golf Course where they won 167 to 168 and on Wednesday the 18th they traveled to Mason where the Tigers won 152 to 156. On Thursday the 19th the Tigers went to Friendly Meadows Golf Course to compete against West Clermont and grabbed another victory 154 to 208. The Boys Golf Team is currently in 2nd place in the ECC with a 4-1 record. The Tigers are 9-2 overall. The golf team will continue their successful season on Tuesday the 24th at Ivy Hills against Turpin and then will compete in the ECC Postseason Tournament at Glenview on Thursday the 26th.

    The Girls Tigers Golf Team competed at West Clermont on Tuesday the 17th and pulled out a victory, 192 to 228. The ladies had a great time swinging away the competition as pictured below in these tweets captured by fans of the Tigers!

    https://twitter.com/GirlsLoveland/status/1174098597652180992/photo/1

    https://twitter.com/GirlsLoveland/status/1174075102264213504/photo/1

    The Girls Golf Team will be heading to Hickory Woods on Tuesday the 24th to face Turpin at 3:30 PM and then will turn around and travel to O’Bannon Creek Golf Club to compete against Lakota West and Ursuline at 4 PM. The Tigers are currently 2-3 in the ECC and 2-7 overall.

    Volleyball

    The Girls Volleyball Team had an unbelievable week of competition grabbing two wins, pushing their record to 7-1 in the ECC placing them in 1st place! The Tigers are 12-2 overall. On Tuesday the 17th the ladies played West Clermont in their home gym. The Tigers won all the sets at West Clermont 25-13, 25-21, and 25-12. On Thursday the 19th the ladies traveled to Anderson and claimed another victory again winning in 3 sets, 25-16, 25-21, and 25-21. 

    https://twitter.com/LHS_MrBuis/status/1174824863665741825

    https://twitter.com/LHS_MrBuis/status/1174832446149451776

    https://twitter.com/LHS_MrBuis/status/1174838964798316544

    The Girls Volleyball Team hopes to keep their number 1 spot in the ECC this week as they will be playing Kings on Tuesday the 24th at home at 6:30 PM and Walnut Hills on Wednesday the 25th at 6:30 PM at home.

    Tennis

    Another lady Tigers Team that had a really successful week of competition is the Girls Tennis Team who improved their record to 5-1 in the ECC and 15-2 overall. The Tigers now hold the 2nd place spot in the ECC. On Monday the 16th the Girls Tennis Team grabbed a win against Anderson sweeping them 5-0 then the ladies turned around on Tuesday the 17th and claimed another victory against West Clermont beating them 5-0. The Tigers continued their winning streak when they played CCD on Wednesday the 18th beating them 5-0. On Thursday the 19th and Saturday the 21st the Girls Tennis Team participated in the GCTCA Coaches Classic. Although they didn’t necessarily place at the top as a team there were some fantastic performances by the lady Tigers! Freshmen Babs Dwyer and Alex Hytree placed 3rd for Second Doubles and Freshman Maira Hodar placed 3rd in Singles. Below are some photos of this week’s competitions that Tiger friends and family captured.

    https://twitter.com/LovTigers_AD/status/1173986332286210050

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2h4ueagjf9/?igshid=1cgio6iyr7kk0

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2h7E2QgE2v/?igshid=1fdw7hdqdbaug

    https://twitter.com/GCTCATennis/status/1173634768065503233

    https://twitter.com/LovTigers_AD/status/1175489052864319490

    The Girls Tennis Team will represent Loveland in the ECC Tournament this week on Tuesday the 24th beginning at 9 AM at Lunken.

    Soccer

    The Boys Soccer Team grabbed both a loss and a win this week. The Tigers still remain number 1 in the ECC with a 4-0 record and an 8-3 record overall! On Wednesday the 18th the Boys Soccer Team went to Centerville to compete unfortunately losing a hard-fought battle 3-1. On Thursday the 19th the Boys answered back with a big win at Withrow beating them 9-0. Out of those 9 goals Emmett Webb pulled off a hat trick (3 goals) all in the first half! The Tigers will face Walnut Hills at their home field on Wednesday the 25th at 7 PM and on Saturday the 28th will play Mason on the Tigers home field at noon.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2nFpuyAcvf/?igshid=1vo8obmub3k09

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2nLGQegFCi/?igshid=1mxqr66sxxof4

    The Girls Soccer Team, who currently holds the 2nd spot in the ECC with a 2-1 league record and 5-3 overall record, hosted the 1st Annual LOMO Event Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd. Both Loveland and Mason Girls Soccer Teams came together for this 2-day 10 game event! Below is a tweet sent out by Loveland Girls Soccer Team that explains the LOMO Event and what all the 2-day tourney entailed.

    https://twitter.com/LHSWsoccer/status/1175423355517886465

    https://twitter.com/dan12donovan31/status/1175503234955448320

    The LOMO event started for the Girls Soccer Team at 7 PM on Saturday the 21st when they faced West Jessamine, a 2 time Kentucky State Champion Soccer Team. To get the Tiger Fans and youth soccer team programs involved Loveland declared an “Orange Out,” which was explained more in-depth in the following tweet.

    https://twitter.com/LHSWsoccer/status/1173701298467803136

    The Girls Soccer Team was surrounded by quite the crowd as they claimed a HUGE victory against West Jessamine winning 5-0! Shraya Smolenski was the leading scorer for the Tigers kicking in 2 goals making her now 6th in the ECC as an Offensive Leader. Many action shots were caught on Twitter at the Orange Out!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sM5R-AmK6/?igshid=5jptw4suwpxa

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sQHdPAFKT/?igshid=1wtgimj36rkjx

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sRkvbgmSZ/?igshid=1lcpy0wsxirnh

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sbGfnAZm_/?igshid=1ubmvy5talo31

    The Girls Soccer Team took on Notre Dame Academy Kentucky, another premier Kentucky soccer team, on Sunday the 22nd at 3 PM at the Tiger Stadium and pulled out yet another big win, beating Notre Dame 2-0! The Tigers victory was captured on Instagram by Loveland Athletics below!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uVN7YAqd4/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uYa9Ogun0/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uYndEg6KK/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uehCqAz5P/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ulpk1gEDF/

    The lady Tigers hope to continue their winning streak against Walnut Hills on Tuesday the 24th at 7 PM.

    Football

    The Loveland Tigers Football Team battled Friday night at Withrow but unfortunately ended the game with a loss, 39-0. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2po44HAebd/?igshid=8s9401dxy95w

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ptyPjAGnF/?igshid=yxkap8q6ux35

    After Friday’s game, Tiger Calvin Cloud claimed the 5th spot in the ECC with 518 Offensive Passing Yards! The Tigers will be apart of a very special game on Friday the 27th as it is Loveland’s Homecoming. To check out the schedule of events for Homecoming 2019 go to https://lovelandmagazine.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-2019-lhs-homecoming-festivities/.

    Cheer

    In Loveland Cheer news the team will be holding winter cheer mascot tryouts on Wednesday, November 6th from 6 PM to 9 PM and then again on Thursday, November 7th beginning at 6:30 PM. The tryouts will be held at Loveland High School. 

    Cross Country

    The Girls and Boys Cross Country Team put on some great performances on Saturday the 21st at one of the top meets in Ohio, Centerville’s Saturday Night Lights Meet. Leading the way for the girls was Sarah Madix (3rd), followed by Ellie Carr (5th), Jessie Gibbins (6th), Ansley Richards (7th), and Nami Cannon (10th). Rounding out the top 7 were Ally Colegate (16th) and Bella Dillhoff (17th). Below are photos captured from the meet Saturday!

    https://twitter.com/lovelandcc1/status/1175383893257723905

    https://twitter.com/LovTigers_AD/status/1175743905968640000

    The Boys Cross Country Team had just as much success at Centerville’s Saturday Night Lights Meet finishing 11th out 23 teams with 335 points! The first finisher for the Tigers was sophomore Ryan Chevalier crossing the finish line for the 40th spot running a 16:35. Chevalier still holds the 4th best time in the ECC after running a 16:28 at the Loveland Invitational. Next Tiger to finish the race was freshman Brady Steiner placing 61st with a 16:52. Steiner ran his personal best time for the year placing him 8th in the ECC with his time! The next Loveland Boys to cross the finish line were senior Kyle Griffin taking the 72nd spot running a 16:59, junior Ajay Stutz in 78th place with a 17:03, senior Alex Ditchen placing 84th with a 17:07, sophomore Sam Neiger placing 89th with a time of 17:08, and rounding up the top 7 Tiger finishers was sophomore Sam Dippold placing 112th with a 17:24. 6 of the Loveland Boys ran seasonal best times placing them in the top 20 in the ECC for their 5k times! 

    Stay tuned for Loveland Magazine’s next Loveland Sports 411 with Cassie Mattia!

    Have some Loveland High School sports scores or incredible performances you want to share? Email cassiemattia@lovelandmagazine.com so we can share these amazing sports stories with the Loveland community!

  • RP Diamond Tiger Spirit Wear Sale at Loveland Magazine during Homecoming Parade Thursday

    RP Diamond Tiger Spirit Wear Sale at Loveland Magazine during Homecoming Parade Thursday

    Loveland, Ohio – RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery will be selling Tiger Spirit Wear on the porch of the Loveland Magazine office during Thursday’s Homecoming Parade this Thursday.

    Loveland Magazine is located right on the parade route in the heart of the West Loveland Historic District at 514 West Loveland Avenue and is one of the favorite spots to view the parade because of ample parking in the District.

    The sale will start at about 4:30 PM. The parade starts at 6:30 PM. The story below contains a map of the Parade Route and all the 411 about the 2019 Loveland Homecoming festivities.

    All You Need To Know About The 2019 LHS Homecoming Festivities

    The anticipation has begun for Loveland High School’s Homecoming activities and Loveland Magazine has the 411 on what to expect this year!

     

  • Lynn Mangan: Why I am a yes on the school levy

    Lynn Mangan: Why I am a yes on the school levy

    Lynn Mangan, a resident of the Loveland School District lives in the Eagles Point subdivision in Miami Township.

    by Lynn Mangan

    After listening to the community meeting last Thursday night at the high school, I felt very compelled to write out why I am a yes on the levy.

    First, let me introduce myself. We have lived in Loveland City Schools for almost 23 years. We moved to Loveland when I was expecting our oldest son. My husband, Pat and I have four boys (two are in college) and the younger two are in 10th and 8th grade. I am a wife, mother, family/community member, and business executive. When I look at whether I want to vote yes or no to the levy I try to think about it from all of the angles of who I am.

    As a mom:

    • I am grateful that we are focusing on the total child. We are creating problem solvers, continuous learners, preparing students for their next steps (trades, military or college), and challenging them to try as many new things as possible. We are creating well rounded young adults. And the district is not ignoring the increase of mental health disease. I have numerous examples over the years of teachers who believed in and advocated for my boys to be their best selves.
    • I am grateful for a school district that keeps my children safe and is calling in the experts to keep it that way (I was happy to hear we have engaged the Department of Homeland Security to make recommendations on how to do this). And I’m extremely sad that the safety of our children even has to be on the list.

    As a business executive and community member:

    • I am grateful that the school district is fiscally responsible. Keeping healthcare rates at only 2.2% is unheard of (can my business hire whoever is in charge of this at the district?). Making sure that as many dollars as possible can be put towards the staff serving our children vs on extraneous expenses. The people are what make it happen in every organization and schools are no exception. I appreciate that the district is also reducing energy costs wherever possible too.
    • The curriculum is expanding to prepare children for the real world. I’ve seen firsthand the expansion of so many programs: computer science, robotics, life skills, music, etc. A focus on continuous improvement is an absolute must.
    • Our district leaders are being creative problem solvers and passing on savings when possible (ex. change in the levy structure).
    • I appreciate the balance in the focus on improved learning spaces for our children, increasing our curriculum, making the spaces safer and a focus on the whole student. As a business executive, we have to focus on employee engagement – that means we have facilities that are not 100% about work – just like the school has to improve the facilities for arts and athletics. And the auditorium move is the best use of space to expand the learning areas first. And at the middle school, the track and bleachers are atrocious and unsafe. I don’t really think the baseball fields are necessary but that is okay. At work, we always debate the best choices. It is an 80%/20%. I am happy and confident with 80% of the choices in this plan and that feedback and experts have been engaged to come up with a solid plan.

    I’ll be candid…at first, I was a no. My kids are going to graduate before most of this will be in place. Then I asked myself: If this was a non-profit would I donate to them? Would I want to spend my time helping improve the schools? Does it benefit my family if we say yes even without children in the district?

    How does it impact our family budget?

    • I recognize not everyone is in the same situation as our family. When my kids graduate, the money that we’re currently paying for their extracurricular activities will now go to the schools when the levy passes. This might seem like a strange way to justify it as obviously we’ll be helping with college tuition. It provides me with perspective that even over 37 years this is worth it so that other children and our entire community can benefit.
    • My family has already benefited from increasing home values. We moved within the district three years ago so that my mom could move in with us. Our home sold in one day and it was over asking price. My hope is that when we downsize after our kids graduate, we’ll have the same experience that our home values continue to increase for the benefit of our entire community. I want Loveland students to be known as solid citizens and our continued investment in our schools does this.

    I believe in the leadership of the district

    • And most importantly, I believe in the leadership of the district. Is every decision they make the right one? Nope…and who am I to hold them to that unreasonable standard? I give them a lot of credit for their composure and well thought out plan. It is extremely hard to go in front of 1000s of people to present a plan like this.
    • Does it stink that we have to pay this much property tax? Yes, it does, and I made the choice to live in a community where there aren’t businesses to fund the school system. I grew up in Sycamore and my husband went to Catholic schools. We believe in public schools and didn’t want to pay the huge home prices in Sycamore schools. Of course, I would love to have less taxes due to all the businesses in Sycamore schools. It’s a tradeoff. I’ll take the tradeoff and pay for the increase to invest in our children and our community.

    Overall, no plan will ever be without ways to make it better. I appreciate that the district has asked for feedback, been transparent and is continuing to strive for what is best for our students. I am thankful for teachers that advocate for my children and want to see them succeed in their class and in life. I am a yes.

    If you haven’t already done so, I’d encourage you to listen to the latest presentation here and the corresponding slide deck here.