Loveland, Ohio – Save these dates for the upcoming Candidate Forums. These forums will be for the Loveland School Board (10/18) and the Loveland City Council (10/19). Both are at 7 PM in the Loveland Middle School cafeteria.
The forums will be presented by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
Voters will be able to submit questions (each candidate will have an opportunity to answer in a 2-minute time frame. There is no guarantee all questions will be asked. Questions will be addressed to the entire candidate pool, not directed toward one individual.
The intent of these forums is to provide the community the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed choice when voting.
Loveland, Ohio – Below is the partial draft of the minutes of the Loveland School Board meeting that was held last night. The Board authorized a “Resolution of Necessity” to request that the Hamilton County Auditor certify the projected revenues for a 4.90 Mill levy for the General Election on November 8.
Members Eileen Washburn. Eric Schwetschenau, Kevin. Dougherty, and Jonathan Eilert voted, “Yes”. Kathryn Lorenz did not attend the meeting.
This is the first of the two votes needed for the Board to place the operating levy on the ballot.
The Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, Counties of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren, Ohio, met in regular session at 6:00 P.M, on the 16th day of June, 2022, at the LMS/LIS Media Center, 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, Ohio, with the following members present:
Mr. Kevin Dougherty Rev. Jonathan Eilert Dr. Eric Schwetschenau
Mrs. Eileen Washburn
The following members were absent: Dr. Kathryn Lorenz
Mrs. Washburn moved the adoption of the following resolution:
LOVELAND CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 22-69
RESOLUTION DECLARING THE NECESSITY OF LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL TAX FOR CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF THE TENMILL LIMITATION AND REQUESTING THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO CERTIFY MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, this Board of Education of the Loveland City School District (the “Board of Education”) anticipates levying an additional tax in excess of the ten-mill limitation as described herein;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, this Board of Education is required to certify to the County Auditor a resolution requesting the County Auditor to certify certain matters in connection with such a tax levy;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of Loveland City School District, Counties of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren, Ohio:
That pursuant to the provisions of Section 5705.21 of the Ohio Revised Code, it is necessary that an additional tax be levied in excess of the tenmill limitation for the benefit of the Loveland City School District (the “School District”), for the purpose of current operating expenses at a rate not exceeding four and nine-tenths (4.9) mills for each one dollar ($1.00) of valuation, which amounts to forty-nine cents ($0.49) for each one hundred dollars ($100.00) of valuation, for a continuing period of time.
That the question of the passage of said tax levy shall be submitted to the electors of the School District at an election to be held on November 8, 2022. If approved by the electors of the School District, said tax levy shall first be placed upon the 2022 tax list and duplicate, for first collection in calendar year 2023 for a continuing period of time. The tax shall be levied upon the entire territory of the School District and the ballot measure shall be submitted to the entire territory of the School District. The School District has territory in Hamilton County, Clermont County and Warren County, Ohio.
That pursuant to Section 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, the County Auditor is hereby requested to certify to this Board of Education the total current tax valuation of the School District and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by the number of mills specified in Section 1 hereof, and the Treasurer of this Board of Education be and is hereby directed to certify forthwith a copy of this resolution to the County Auditor at the earliest possible time so that said County Auditor may certify such matters in accordance with such Section 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code.
That it is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board of Education concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education, and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code, and the rules of this Board of Education adopted in accordance therewith.
Dr. Schwetschenau seconded the motion, and the roll being called upon the question of adoption of the resolution the vote resulted as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Washburn, Dr. Schwetschenau, Mr. Dougherty, Rev. Eilert
NAY:
ADOPTED this 16th day of June, 2022.
Robert Giuffre’, Interim Treasurer
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies that the text of the foregoing resolution is taken and copied from the record of proceedings of a meeting of the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District held on June 16, 2022. The undersigned further certifies that the same has been compared by me with said record and it is a true and correct copy thereof, together with a true and correct copy of excerpts from the minutes of said meeting to the extent pertinent to the consideration and adoption of said resolution.
Robert Giuffre’, Interim Treasurer
RECEIPT
The undersigned hereby acknowledges this day receipt of a certified copy of the foregoing resolution.
County Auditor, Hamilton County, Ohio
Date: June ___, 2022
CERTIFICATE OF COUNTY AUDITOR
Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, adopted on June 16, 2022, the undersigned county auditor of Hamilton County, Ohio hereby certifies that the total current tax valuation of such school district is $___________________, and that the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by four and nine-tenths (4.9) mills per year as specified in such resolution is $___________________ per year, assuming that the tax valuation of such school district remains the same throughout the life of the levy.
Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday night the six candidates competing to be elected to Loveland City Council were the guests of Loveland Magazine and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance at the Loveland Middle School.
Next Thursday, October 21, the Loveland School Board candidates will come together for a similar forum in the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria at 7 PM. Loveland High School alum, Ricky Mulvey will be the emcee for the evening.
Candidates for Loveland City Council (4 to be elected to a 4 year term)
Tim Butler – 1102 Hickory Ridge Dr.
John Hart – 11349 S. Lebanon Rd.
Kim Lukens – 142 Hounds Run
Neal Oury – 401 Lowell St.
Ted Phelps – 137 Pleasant Lake Dr.
Kip Ping – 918 W. Loveland Ave.
Dave H. Stanton – 208 Sentry Hill Dr. (Withdrawn from Race)
The Loveland Magazine Election Guide
Loveland City Council
Candidates for Loveland City Council (4 to be elected to a 4 year term)
Tim Butler – 1102 Hickory Ridge Dr.
John Hart – 11349 S. Lebanon Rd.
Kim Lukens – 142 Hounds Run
Neal Oury – 401 Lowell St.
Ted Phelps – 137 Pleasant Lake Dr.
Kip Ping – 918 W. Loveland Ave.
Dave H. Stanton – 208 Sentry Hill Dr. (Withdrawn from Race)
Current members of Loveland Council
Kathy Bailey, Mayor (Term Ends December 2023)
Robert Weisgerber, Vice Mayor (Term endsDecember 6, 2021)
Andy Bateman (Term Ends December 2023)
Ted Phelps (Term endsDecember 6, 2021)
Tim Butler (Term endsDecember 6, 2021)
Neal Oury (Term endsDecember 6, 2021)
Kent Blair (Term Ends December 2023)
Loveland City School District
Member of Board of Education (3 to be elected to a 4-year term)
Colette Boyko – 11997 Riveroaks Dr.
Anna Bunker – 1020 Oakland Dr.
Jonathan Eilert – 716 Quailwoods Dr.
Elliot Grossman – 957 Ashire Ct.
Al Juram – 6399 Mueller Lakes Ln.
Elizabeth Mason – 1867 Timberidge Dr.
Michele Pettit – 40 Buckeye Ct. (Pettit petition to run again for school board rejected by BOE Read more…)
Eric L. Schwetschenau – 1211 Red Roan Ln.
Eileen Washburn – 10923 Rednor Ct.
Member of Board of Education (1 to be elected – Unexpired term ending 12-31-2023)
Kevin M. Dougherty – 12021 Millstone Ct, 45140
Current members of Loveland School Board
Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Board President (Term expires 12/31/23)
Kevin Dougherty, Board Vice President (Term expires 12/31/21)
Michele Pettit, Board Member (Term Expires 12/31/21)
Dr. Eric Schwetschenau, Board Member (Term expires 12/31/21)
Eileen Washburn, Board Member (Term Expires 12/31/21)
August 23 – Write-in candidates must file declarations of intent by 4 p.m. (72 days before general election
September 17 – Military & Overseas Absentee Voting begins (46 Days Before Election Day)
October 4 – Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 2 general election (30 days before general election)*
October 5 – Early In-Person Voting begins and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day
October 5 – Absentee Voting By Mail begins (28 Days Before Election Day)
October 11 – Board of Elections Closed to In-Person Voting (Columbus Day).
October 30 – Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for Nov. 2 general election must be received by boards of elections by noon (3 days before general election)
November 2 – General Election Day. Polls open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM.
Throughout the years, men and women in our armed forces have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom and democracy. Today, the courageous members of our military branches continue to serve our country so we all can enjoy one of our most sacred rights – the right to vote. Through the I Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative, you can demonstrate the pride you feel for a veteran or servicemember and, at the same time, encourage others to vote on Election Day.
Wear an I Vote in Honor of a Veteran pin on Election Day to show your appreciation to those men and women who made it possible for you to exercise your right to vote.
To get your pin, click this LINK to submit a testimonial about how they’ve inspired you will be sent one.
Loveland, Ohio – In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the Loveland School Board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse.
There was no explanation offered in Crouse’s resignation letter that was read by Board President Dr. Kathy Lorenz. During a brief discussion by the Board before they voted, there was also no explanation given for the resignation.
The Superintendent will remain employed until February 9.
Editor’s Note: This story has been corrected to reflect the exact date of Crouse’s last day of employment.
If you find value in this Voter Guide and the expense involved in putting it together, please…Loveland, Ohio – Below you can read the ballot language for the increase in taxes the Loveland Board of Education is asking you to approve. You can also read the text of current and proposed changes City Council wants you to approve to the City Charter.
Loveland City Council at Large – 3 to be elected – 4-year term
Pat Ahr
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Kathy Bailey
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Andy Bateman
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Kent G. Blair
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Cory O’Donnell
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Angela L. Settell
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Loveland Board of Education – 2 to be elected – 4-year term
Arthur R. Jarvis
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Kathryn Lorenz
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Symmes Township Trustee – 1 to be elected – 4-year term
Phil Beck
CJ Carr
Symmes Township Fiscal Officer – 1 to be elected – 4-year term
Joseph C. Grossi
Milford Council at Large – 4 to be elected – 4-year term
Edward J. Haskins
Kyle Mitchell
Benjamin Redman
Sandra Russell
Milford School Board
Emily Chestnut
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
Warren Co. –
TOTAL –
Mike Durkee
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
TOTAL –
Dave Meranda
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
TOTAL –
James Rhodes
Clermont Co. –
Hamilton Co. –
TOTAL –
Goshen Township Trustee
Bob Hausermann
Bill Pitman
Goshen Township Fiscal Officer
Laura Engled
Goshen School Board – Full term 2 to be elected
John Benthien
Julie Casey
Derrick Holmes
GoshenSchool Board (unexpired term) – 1 to be elected
Deborah S. Gray
Miami Township (Clermont County) Trustee
Ken Tracy
Miami Township (Clermont County) Fiscal Officer
Eric C. Ferry
Judge of Hamilton County Municipal Court – 1 to be elected per district – 6-year term (District 5)
Kari L. Bloom
Heather S. Russell
ISSUES
Loveland City Council will ask voters to approve a Revised Charter.
Clermont Co. –
YES –
NO –
Hamilton Co. –
YES –
NO –
Warren Co. –
YES –
NO –
TOTAL –
YES –
NO –
Loveland Board of Education is asking voters to approve a combined Operating and Bond Levy.
Clermont Co.
YES –
NO –
Hamilton Co.
YES –
NO –
Warren Co.
YES –
NO –
TOTAL –
YES –
NO –
Goshen Local School District
Bond Levy 5.24 mills – 34 years
For –
Against –
Milford City
Renewal with an Increase 17 mills – for Fire & EMS – for 5 years
For –
Against
GoshenSchool Bond Levy
Shall bonds be issued by the Goshen Local School District, Counties of Clermont and Warren, for the purpose of site acquisition, new construction, improvements, renovations and additions to school facilities and providing equipment, furnishings and site improvements therefor, in the principal amount of thirty‐one million dollars ($31,000,000), to be repaid annually over a maximum period of thirty‐four (34) years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside of the ten‐mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue five and twenty‐four hundreds (5.24) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to fifty‐two and four‐tenths cents ($0.524) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in 2019, first due in calendar year 2020, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?
YES
NO
Kings Local School District
Shall bonds be issued by the Kings Local School District, for the purpose of site acquisition, new construction, improvements, renovations and additions to school facilities and providing equipment, furnishings and site improvements therefor, in the principal amount of $89,975,000 to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 37 years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside the ten‐mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue 4.96 mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to $0.496 for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in 2019, first due in calendar year 2020, to pay the annual debt charge on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?
YES
NO
Hamilton County
Tax Levy (Renewal) – .34ml 5yr – Family Services & Treatment Programs
For –
Against
Tax Levy – (Renewal) – 4.13ml 5yr – Developmental Disabilities
For –
Against
Sycamore School Bond Issue
Shall bonds be issued by the Sycamore Community City School District for the purpose of new construction, improvements, renovations, and additions to school facilities, and providing equipment, furnishings, and site development and improvements, and all necessary appurtenances therefor, in the principal amount of one hundred twenty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($127,500,000), to be repaid annually over a maximum period of thirty (30) years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside of the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue four (4) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to forty cents ($0.40) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in 2019, first due in calendar year 2020, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?
Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio.
If we don’t protect our youth who will? In May, Ohio Paul Zeltwanger and Thomas Brinkman proposed House Bill 658, which states:
“If a government agent or entity has knowledge that a child under its care or supervision has exhibited symptoms of gender dysphoria or otherwise demonstrates a desire to be treated in a manner opposite of the child’s biological sex, the government agent or entity with knowledge of that circumstance shall immediately notify, in writing, each of the child’s parents and the child’s guardian or custodian. The notice shall describe the total circumstances with reasonable specificity.”
gen·der dys·pho·ri·a
ˈjendər disˈfôrēə/
noun
MEDICINE
The condition of feeling one’s emotional and psychological identity as male or female to be opposite to one’s biological sex. How to pronounce gender dysphoria.
In plainer language House Bill 658, also known as the “Parent’s Rights Bill,” would make any school administrator or teacher who allows or offers gender dysphoria (the condition of feeling one’s emotional and psychological identity as male or female to be opposite to one’s biological sex) treatment, including resources on sex and gender or counseling, for a minor “without the written, informed consent of each of the child’s parents and the child’s guardian or custodian” they could be charged with a felony in the fourth degree. The parents of the student according to the bill would get the ultimate decision whether their child gets access to treatment, including educational materials, counseling or medical services.
If this House Bill is implemented it could have detrimental consequences for teachers and even more importantly for those students affected. Teachers are there to lend their students a helping hand educationally and emotionally in order to prepare them for what’s to come once they are out on their own, why take this from them?
A teacher’s take on House Bill 658
I spoke to one Loveland teacher who wishes to remain anonymous, a mom of a teenager. I’ll call her Susan. She told me that for many students their home life is a wreck and out of control with issues of poverty, broken families, and domestic abuse. “For many of my students, the only adult in their life that can be trusted may be their teacher. Teachers who lend an ear and can be trusted can be an enormous help that often reflects on their academic achievement. We care for the whole child.”
Susan told me that for many students their home life is a wreck and out of control with issues of poverty, broken families, and domestic abuse. “For many of my students, the only adult in their life that can be trusted may be their teacher.”
Susan told me that she just overheard a conversation between her daughter and a friend about a classmate they thought was transgender. “I wondered, do they know what that means? Are they friends with this young person? How do my kid and others treat her? Because I am a teacher, would I be required to file a report with the District? These are all questions that ran through my head as a mom and a teacher.”
Susan said she wants to protect and support all of her kids, her biological ones and the ones that are “her’s” for a school year. “I want to be able to do that freely and openly and with my heart.” She said that some of her students desperately need someone they can trust in their life and the last thing they need is another person that will let them down because politicians want school staff charged as felons if they don’t report that the student herself, or a classroom teacher, principal, gym teacher, bus driver, or classmate may be questioning her gender identity.
Susan asked, “Just what stereotypes am I going to be expected to police?
HB 658 is a harmful bill that takes aim at some of our most vulnerable — transgender youth — by forcing school officials to serve as ‘gender police’ and out them or risk getting a felony.” – Alana Jochum
LGBTQ advocacy
“HB 658 is a harmful bill that takes aim at some of our most vulnerable — transgender youth — by forcing school officials to serve as ‘gender police’ and out them or risk getting a felony,” said Alana Jochum, executive director of LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Ohio. Jochum told NBC News. “This exposes young people to discrimination, harassment, and bullying.”
Jochum couldn’t be more correct if you really take a look at the alarming statistics. One study done by the Cincinnati Enquirer showed that 64% of LGBTQ youth in Ohio heard “negative comments” about their gender identity or sexual orientation from their family and in result, according to another study done by National Transgender Discrimination, 41% attempted suicide. Though many transgender students
75% of transgender youth have felt unsafe at school after being outed and have lower GPA’s due to missing school in fear of their safety.
have experienced negative comments, violence has become the most popular form of dealing with transgender youth. Disturbingly enough 19% of transgender youth, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality, experience the majority of violent abuse in their home from their own family members. Along with dealing with all the dissension from family members 75% of transgender youth, according to a national survey done by GLSEN (pronounced “glisten”), have felt unsafe at school after being outed and in result have lower GPA’s due to missing school in fear of their safety. With all the facts at hand, The Ohio Education Association who represents 125,000 teachers and support professionals, have openly opposed the bill.
Violence has become the most popular form of dealing with transgender youth.
Kathryn Lorenz is the Loveland Board of Education Vice President
While researching House Bill 658 I managed to only get a response from two local representatives of the Loveland School Board, one being Kathryn Lorenz, the Board Vice President and the other being Loveland School Board Member, Ned Portune. Lorenz’s response was, “In the case of House bill 658, we would have to say that we do not yet have enough information, nor have we met as a board for a few weeks, so we do not yet have a Board statement to make.”
Ned Portune is a member of the Loveland School Board
Portune added that he, “…simply has not been fully informed at this point on HB 658 to have an educated opinion. There are several items in your statement that would certainly give me a gut reaction, and opinion on, if true as presented. But I need time to fully review the Bill, its implications and existing laws to have any formal statement.”
School Superintendent Amy Crouse, High School Principal Peggy Johnson, and assistant principals at the High School did not respond.
Studies show most transgender youth are fully aware of their gender identity by age 4.
After attempting several times to contact both Representatives Paul Zeltwanger and Thomas Brinkman through email and phone about House Bill 658, I, unfortunately, got no response. It wasn’t hard to find Brinkman’s opinion on the issue in several other publications though, voicing to WCPO, “Parents have the right to decide what is best for their children,” and telling WOSU Public Media, “And if somebody doesn’t like it, you’re emancipated at age 18 and you can go do whatever the heck you want.” Seems pretty harsh considering the transgender population represents about 0.3% (700,000) of Americans and studies show most transgender youth are fully aware of their gender identity by age 4. Are we encouraging parents and administrators to discard their students or child’s gender identity in fear of social rejection? Do these children not deserve to live an authentic life?
Fran Hendrick, PCC has offices at Wildflower House in the West Loveland Historic District.
House Bill 658 is expected to be presented to the Ohio General Assembly in the Fall and will be without a doubt one of the most controversial bills to date. Many have opinions on this issue one being Fran Hendrick, a respected and highly educated clinical counselor who specializes in assisting women and girls who are experiencing depression or anxiety triggered by a crisis or major life change. When I presented Fran with House Bill 658 and asked what her opinion was she had a lot to say and rightfully so considering one of her life missions, according to Fran’s website franhendrick.com, is to “gently help you find and shelter your spark (the essence of who you are at your core) and grow it so that it illuminates your person and is radiated through words, actions and decisions, big and small, that make up your daily life.”
In a culture such as ours, it is a matter of life and death for transgender youth to decide if and when to trust another person with their reality. – Fran Hendrick, PCC
“Being a parent takes great courage, even more so when your child presents you with something that you’re unfamiliar with – or even afraid of. In a perfect world, a child who feels somehow ‘different’ from their peers (‘their’ is deliberately gender-neutral), they could consult their parents, who would strive to deeply understand the child’s experience, would provide accurate empathy, and would go on a crash course to learn everything they could about the unfamiliar issue. And, so very fortunate for their children, there are many parents like these.
But in the real world, an adolescent boy saying to his father, ‘Dad, I think I’m a girl’ is very likely to encounter disgust, rejection, rage, or even violence, not empathy and understanding.
While the intent of this bill, giving benefit to grave doubt, could be a deeply uninformed and misguided attempt to protect children, that seems unlikely. My sense is that in truth it is more about attempting to hand parents the power to say no to their child’s gender identity,” Hendrick said, “But gender identity – and sexual orientation, for that matter – are not matters of choice. And in a culture where transgender people are assaulted and even murdered at a rate higher than their cisgender counterparts,where transgender youth are summarily shunned and rejected by their own parents (the rate of homelessness is, not surprisingly, very high), where the suicide rate that results from these atrocious facts is far higher than for other youth – in a culture such as ours, it is a matter of life and death for transgender youth to decide if and when to trust another person with their reality, and, most importantly, whom to trust.
To be “outed” for the choice to trust; or to be prosecuted for trying to be help – these are not protections. Actions like these support bigotry, and increase isolation and despair. – Fran Hendrick, PCC
To be “outed” for the choice to trust; or to be prosecuted for trying to be help – these are not protections. Actions like these support bigotry, and increase isolation and despair. Stopping a teacher from helping such a student, one who is likely alone with the reality of their gender identity, who stands to be emotionally and psychologically rejected, or even physically abused, by their own family is, quite simply, a cruelty. This, I strongly believe, is not what the overwhelming majority of parents want for their own or anyone else’s children. This is bad enough. However, this bill opens the door to much more far-reaching damage than this.”
Is he to be turned in to the gender police?
The talented young male artist who despises sports – is he to be turned in to the gender police? The girl who chooses overalls and a t-shirt rather than a dress and a mani-pedi –what of her? The sponsors of the bill have explicitly said that teachers should be required to inform on them, as well. We have an essential responsibility to ensure that proposed legislation protects vulnerable people from the bigotry endemic in our society.This legislation explicitly deprives them of protection.”
Ultimately what it comes down to is ensuring that our children are and feel safe when going to school. Teachers and administrators are the ones that take on the responsibility of creating that fun, loving and supportive atmosphere so that our children get the best opportunities in life. Passing a bill such as House Bill 658 only presents another obstacle that both teachers and administrators have to overcome. Don’t these professionals have enough obstacles to conquer as is?
Both Justin Haake and Tonya Schaeffer who are Professional Clinical Counselors for Hope Restored Counseling Services in Loveland couldn’t agree more.
Justin Haake is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Hope Restored Counseling Services in Loveland and works primarily with adolescents and adults, specifically during transitional periods in life.
Haake said, “For some, teachers and school administrators may be the only people in schools that feel safe for students to reach out to.Imagine the fear of asking for support, knowing that you’ll either be outed or put the teacher or administrator at risk of a felony.”
Schaeffer said, “From my perspective, this would most likely increase the level of bullying and possible harm to these students.There is already so much shame and stigma attached with Transgender people, and they need as much support as they can get,”
Tonya Schaeffer is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and co-owner of Hope Restored Counseling Services in Loveland.
Schaeffer added, “Support is out there.In fact, we are offering a psycho-educational group starting in September that offers education, support and a safe environment for Transgender students to express themselves.” She said they hope to offer a similar group to parents who are trying to understand what their child is going through, explore what the parents are experiencing and provide support. “We currently serve the LGBTQ community, and we are expanding those services.I recently read a statement that it is estimated that 41% of trans men and women have attempted suicide. I don’t believe this bill would help–it seems like it could only hurt.”
Susan, the mom and teacher said, “I am thankful I live in a community where support services like those provided by Hope Restored, and Fran Hendrick at Wildflower House are nearby for my students and their families.”
Transgender youth have so many mountains to climb within their own scientific makeup and allowing a bill like House Bill 658 to go through in hindsight is taking away their basic rights as Americans and human beings.
“GLSEN (pronounced “glisten”) was founded in 1990 by a small, but dedicated group of teachers in Massachusetts who came together to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks.”
I would like to sincerely thank the parents and residents within the Loveland School District for electing me to the Board of Education and allowing me to serve in this capacity – it is an honor and privilege to do so. And, I want to thank my wife Lisa, my family, and the many parents and friends who urged me to step into this role and who supported me along the way.
I also want to take a moment to thank outgoing members Dave Blumberg and Tim Taggart for their service on the Board. Both Mr. Blumberg and Mr. Taggart have served Loveland faithfully during their tenures – and I have no doubt they will both remain actively engaged in the community and our schools. If you bump into either one of them around Loveland, please take the time to thank them yourselves for their service to our students and community.
My goal in running for the Board of Education was simple – to bring a voice to the Board with a wide background of experiences, personal and professional, that I believe can benefit our district as it grows into the future. While I will be only one of five on the Board, I will use that voice to promote a culture of high expectations and an infrastructure of solid supports where each student is given the best opportunity to achieve to their potential.
There will certainly be a lot to do in the upcoming months, and I look forward to being a part of our growth and our students’ successes. Thank you all again. Go Tigers!
CITY OF LOVELAND COUNCIL (Includes Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties)
4 to be elected – 4 year term
Andy Bateman – 901
Tim Butler – 2009
Pamela Gross – 799
Barry Kuhn – 704
Neal Oury – 1912
Ted Phelps – 1875
Rob Weisgerber – 1833
Stephen G. Zamagias – 341
Andy Bateman – 347 E. Loveland Ave.
Clermont County Votes – 193
Hamilton County Votes – 610
Warren County Votes – 98
Total Votes – 901
Tim Butler – 1102 Hickory Ridge Ln.
Clermont County Votes – 454
Hamilton County Votes – 1370
Warren County Votes – 185
Total Votes – 2009
*Pamela Gross – 343 Huntington Dr.
Clermont County Votes – 139
Hamilton County Votes – 571
Warren County Votes – 89
Total Votes – 799
Barry Kuhn – 806 Kenmar Dr.
Clermont County Votes – 139
Hamilton County Votes – 509
Warren County Votes – 56
Total Votes – 704
Neal Oury – 401 Lowell St.
Clermont County Votes – 483
Hamilton County Votes – 1254
Warren County Votes – 175
Total Votes – 1912
*Ted Phelps – 137 Pheasantlake Dr.
Clermont County Votes – 436
Hamilton County Votes – 1263
Warren County Votes – 176
Total Votes – 1875
*Rob Weisgerber – 240 E. Loveland Ave.
Clermont County Votes – 435
Hamilton County Votes – 1230
Warren County Votes – 168
Total Votes – 1833
*Stephen G. Zamagias – 212 Thomas Paxton Ct. Zamagias was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Linda Cox after her resignation.
Clermont County Votes – 66
Hamilton County Votes – 238
Warren County Votes – 37
Total Votes – 341
*Incumbant
(The unexpired term term (till 12/02/2019) of Mark Fitzgerald has yet to be filled). Fitzgerald resigned on 8/14/17 rather than face a recall election this November. The other members of the current council whose terms expire in 12/02/2019 are, Angie Settell and Kathy Bailey.
LOVELAND CITY SCHOOL BOARD (Includes Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties)
3 to be elected – 4 year term
Michele N. Pettit – 2953
Ned Portune – 2961
Eileen Washburn – 2963
Dave Blumberg (Write-In Candidate)* – 403
*We will report on election night how many write in votes were received. It is not until the official count that we will have a true total of “valid” write in votes.
The other members of the current Board whose terms expire in 12/31/19 are, Kathryn Lorenz, Ph.D. and Art Jarvis. Tim Taggart was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Linda Pennington. The term ends after this November’s election. This Board position is one of the open seats you see above (3 to be elected – 4 year term).
HAMILTON COUNTY ISSUES
ALCOHOL, DRUG ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Links associated with a candidate’s name are to the Candidate Statement provided to Loveland Magazine. Go HERE to read all of Loveland Magazine’s Election News PUBLISHED IN 2016 – 2017
On December 15, 2016, a Loveland City Hall newsletter was sent to residents announcing, “Downtown Development on the Horizon.”
The announcement continued, “Thus in 2017, the plan is for the current City Hall to be demolished. The planned replacement (elevation renderings shown above) is a four story building.“
The story sounded a little fishy to Loveland Magazine as we keep a pretty close eye on City Hall and we had never heard of the proposal, let alone how it could be a done deal. Also to be sure we did not miss something we researched past meeting minutes and found no council vote… no discussion… nothing. Someone at City Hall had written a story that wasn’t true, yet that didn’t stop the Loveland Herald from running with the story. Why wouldn’t they, they would not know better as they had stopped attending Loveland Council meetings years ago. Never-the-less, the Herald was able to gather enough quotes to write about the imminent demolition of Loveland’s City Hall.
Loveland Magazine never reported the story because we knew it was not true.
The newsletter and the Herald story fit the textbook definition of “fake news”, except it wasn’t going to end up being “fake” if City Hall could get away with the backroom scheming it took to hatch the plan. Many residents had different ideas.
The other things residents became aware of was the sudden announcement to impose very high fees and severe restrictions for community groups holding public events. Many residents had different ideas.
Add to that, the announcement that Donna Bednar would not be re-appointed to the Loveland Beautification Committee, and the subsequent resignation of all but one member.
Add to all of this upheaval was when behind City Hall’s closed doors a decision was made to “Trademark” the name Christmas in Loveland and the surprise announcement that City Hall had usurped the event that belonged to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
It’s where the hashtag, “#lovelandtransparency” comes from.
This is where the stories below start and will give readers a final chance to catch up on our City Hall reporting (including the successful re-call effort of the sitting mayor) before they go to vote next Tuesday. These are resident views, candidate views, and some of the legal challenges both residents and council members faced this past year.
These stories below appear in the order they were published – oldest to newest.
Loveland Chamber and Loveland Magazine partner to bring you Meet the School Board Candidates Night
Loveland Middle School Media Center
801 South Lebanon Rd.
Wednesday October 25 at 7 PM
Doors Open at 6:30 PM
by David Miller, Publisher
I am pleased that Loveland Magazine can partner this year with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance to bring the candidates for a seat on the Loveland School Board together in one room to face voters and their questions. This election is certainly one of the most consequential for District voters in decades. The Board that sits in January 2018 will choose a new superintendent, make decisions about school facilities and crowded classrooms, and possibly be asking voters for more money within the next eighteen months.
Voters will have the opportunity to meet the candidates at 6:30 PM and at 7 PM the candidates will begin presenting their case and asking for your vote.
The forum will be moderated by former Board President Dr. Judy McClanahan. McClanahan and her husband Stephen have lived in the Loveland District for 31 years. McClanahan has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Pharmacy and a PH.D. from the University of Kentucky in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She did her post-doctoral work at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill. She was active in the PTA and established a Publishing Center for the students in the elementary building. In 1997, she was elected to the Loveland Board of Education and subsequently served 12 years on the Board. During this time Judy served as President of the Board three times.
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will be broadcasting the forum “live” on Loveland Magazine’s Facebook page, so, people that cannot be at the forum to meet the candidates in person, can watch it wherever they are. Folks can watch on their smartphones, tablets, computers, or even on the widescreen of their smart TV in their family room. Organize your own watch party.
The forum will be rebroadcast on both our Facebook Page and at www.lovelandmagazine.com so folks can watch at any time leading right up to election day.
Residents can comment in “real-time” on the Loveland Magazine Facebook page during the live broadcast or afterward by watching the re-broadcast.
At the Forum, residents will be putting their questions into a “hat,” and all questions will be screened for duplicates. McClanahan will ask as many questions as time allows.
CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance said, “I feel it is important to allow the residents and voters to meet and ask questions prior to going to vote on November 7. Our intent is to provide the community the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed choice when voting.”
Judge Brad Greenberg is the Presiding and Administrative Judge for the Hamilton County Municipal Court.
There will be a similar Meet the Candidates Night for candidates for Loveland City Councilon October 26, at 7 PM at the Loveland Middle School Media Center. Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge and former Loveland Mayor Brad Greenberg will be the moderator.
![[VIDEO] Meet the Loveland City Council Candidates](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/brad-greenberg-forum.jpg)
If you would like to explore the topic of Transgender youth and adults even further please check out “
by David Miller, Publisher
bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Pharmacy and a PH.D. from the University of Kentucky in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She did her post-doctoral work at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill. She was active in the PTA and established a Publishing Center for the students in the elementary building. In 1997, she was elected to the Loveland Board of Education and subsequently served 12 years on the Board. During this time Judy served as President of the Board three times.
