Loveland, Ohio – Loveland City School District board member Art Jarvis did not attend the April 30 Board meeting but instead resigned before it started. At the beginning of the meeting, President Kathy Lorenz read a letter Jarvis sent to the Board. You can watch a video clip of her reading the letter below.
Board member Ned Portune attended the meeting and resigned his position after it was over. You can read the statement he sent to Loveland Magazine the next morning below.
Both resignations were effective immediately and follow the apparent overwhelming defeat a vote on an operating levy announced the day before. (Loveland Levy apparently fails by wide margin)
According to a press release issued by the District the day after the meeting, the vacancies are expected to be filled at the May 12 board meeting.
The release also said that the board is now seeking candidates to replace Jarvis and Portune. It says that applicants should submit a “notice of interest” by Email to Treasurer Kevin Hawley (hawleyke@lovelandschools.org) by 5 PM on Monday, May 4.
Applicants should include biographical information, address, affirmation of voter registration, and a short statement describing qualifications and reasons for filling the role of Board Member of the Loveland City School District. Both of these positions would be for service through December 2021.
Remaining Board members are Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Board President, Michele Pettit, and Eileen Washburn.
For Immediate Release. 5/1/2020
It is with sadness that I acknowledge my departure from the Loveland City Schools Board of Education. My resignation is for personal reasons, and should not be interpreted as a negative reflection of my faith in, and support of, the district leadership.
As I have said previously, students and teachers alike can’t be successful if they aren’t in the right culture of care, support, learning, and high expectations set by their administrators.And as such, our administrative team and educational staff have raised the bar of expectations at Loveland well beyond “average.” The improvements our district has experienced, and the achievements our students have accomplished over the past several years have been tremendous. Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse and Treasurer Kevin Hawley are tireless champions for our students, and perform their roles with exceptional grace and integrity, as do Dr. Kathy Lorentz and the rest of the Board.I am grateful to have worked with this team.
As community members, we should all take pride in what we have accomplished together over the past several years, and the reputation for excellence that has been achieved by our schools. This success is only possible with support. I know I am proud to have been a part of a list that includes:
moving key state report card grades to A and B from C, D and F,
improving from 433rd (out of 610 districts) to 22nd in ODE’s Value Added rankings,
LES students performing on average 20% higher than the State average in Reading/Math for AIR and exceeding MAP projections, on average, at 20% higher than the National average,
100% of all third graders meeting the Third Grade Reading Guarantee for 3 consecutive years,
LIS students scoring 20% higher than the state average in 3 of 5 areas, and 15% higher in all 5,
8th grade foreign language curriculum increasing from 150 students receiving HS credit to 227 students, and foreign language exposure in 7th grade increasing from 0 students to 185,
LHS increasing AP offerings to 24 courses serving 428 students, up from 291 in 2016, and our students earning AP Honor Roll for 2 years (a distinction given only to the top 3% of districts in the US and Canada), with 80% scoring a 3 or higher,
Over 40% of our LHS seniors earning college credit through AP or CCP offerings,
LHS adding 20 new elective offerings, and adding Transition to Work programming with multiple community sites,
Developing6-12 College and Career counseling programming, and adding class-leading Teaching, Business and IT programs,
LHS ranking in Cincinnati Magazine improving to 8th out of 80 local high schools, and receiving the Momentum Award from ODE for the last three years.
And this doesn’t begin to address the improvements in gifted and special education services, social-emotional support improvements, or individual awards and accolades our students and teachers themselves have received across all of our schools. Add to that the readiness and excellent implementation of remote learning which has kept our students learning during a time no one could have predicted.Our administrators and educators have truly moved the bar higher for our students, and we should all celebrate that accomplishment.
Today, the district, its staff, students, and parents are entering an unprecedented time in our history. The right thing to do is to be positive, helpful and supportive in keeping our schools operational and our students successful. I believe we as a community will do that moving forward.
It has been an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve our schools and this great community with this Board.I will continue to be a fervent supporter of Loveland Schools and our students.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Portune, Todd, age 61, Hamilton County Commissioner, Oberlin College Hall of Fame, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2020, with his family by his side. Loving father of Ethan, Ellyse and Emma Portune, he is also survived by his brothers Ned (Lisa) from Loveland, and Bob (Cuqui) Portune, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Alice Portune.
Portune was born in Cincinnati in 1958. He graduated from Colerain High School in 1976 and graduated from Oberlin College in 1980 with a political science degree. In 1983 he graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and became an attorney in Cincinnati.
Todd leaves a long legacy of care for the people of Hamilton County and will be remembered as a tireless servant of our city and county even at times of great personal challenge and sacrifice. Todd considered his public service a calling, and his devotion to the needs of average citizens spanned 27 years across Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.
Portune was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Cincinnati City Council in 1993. He won elections to two-year terms in 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999.
In 2000 Portune was elected as a Hamilton County Commissioner. The city of Cincinnati has voted solidly for Democratic candidates in the early 21st Century; the suburbs have supported the Republicans. Portune was the first Democratic commissioner elected from the suburbs in 36 years. Portune’s opponent Bob Bedinghaus won 43% of the 363,948 votes cast in 2000, while Portune won 48%. Portune was sworn in on January 2, 2001. In 2004 Portune was re-elected, with 57% to his opponent’s 42%. His winning in a conservative county was attributed to his moderate policies, and to effective campaigning. He won reelection in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Public Visitation to be held Monday, February 3, 2020, at the Duke Energy Convention Center from 10 AM until noon with service immediately following. Burial will be at Spring Grove Cemetery.
Portune was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Later that year, his spinal tumors erupted, causing paralysis of the legs. Portune’s left leg was amputated in 2018. After years of remission, his cancer returned and metastasized. Portune stated in September 2019 that he would not run for re-election in 2020, and announced the following month he would retire at the end of the year. His chief of staff, Victoria Parks, began acting in his role for the remainder of his term, which ends at the end of 2020. Portune died from cancer on January 25, 2020.
Donations can be made in his honor to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati at www.dsagc.com or 4623 Wesley Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45212. Arrangements are being handled by Spring Grove Funeral Homes. www.springgrove.org
On December 30, 2019, Portune submitted a letter of resignation from his service to the Hamilton County Commission. It reads in part:
On September 12, 2019, I announced both my intent not to seek a new term for the Hamilton CountyCommission and in the process alluded to the probability that I would also resign my seat on the county commission prior to its statutory termination date of January 1, 2021. Please accept this letter as such notice of my official resignation, effective as of 5:00 pm on December 31, 2019.
It has been a joy, honor and a privilege to work you and with all of the men and women, both those under board supervision and those who have worked under those who have been independently elected, 2 past and present, in the best interest of the people of Hamilton County.
I ask that you humbly assist in the transition of all of the duties and responsibilities to the new county commissioner, who will undertake the full duties and responsibilities of this office as required by law. I have the utmost faith in each of you in doing so.
Please let me know if there is anything at all that you require of me as we close out this year and my service.
I also pledge my cooperation and support to do anything that you may require of me, on and after December 31 to assist in that process, should it be required.
I remain most sincerely and respectfully yours,
Todd Portune
This report is from Portune’s obituary and from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Tom Grossmann – Commissioner Shannon Jones – Commissioner David G. Young – Commissioner Tiffany Zindel – Administrator Martin Russell – Deputy Administrator Tina Osborne – Clerk of Commissioners
Loveland, Ohio – On November 26 the Loveland Board of Education unanimously passed two motions in response to subjects that had been requested by voters who questioned the need for the operating and bond levy that the Board had placed on the November 5 ballot. The ballot issue was defeated by a 78-22% margin.
The Board first voted to cancel the contract with Allerton Hill Consulting, the Columbus and Washington D.C. based consulting company the District hired to help with “messaging”. The contract was set to expire at the end of March, and Superintendent Amy Crouse said it would take 30 days to end the contract so it will end at the end of December. Crouse said the consultant has been working with the District for the last two years and were hired to help the District as they undertook big projects and to help support the Communications Director. She said Allerton Hill Consulting, increased social media presence, helped reduce costs in some mailings, and provided “structural support”.
Before voting, Board member Ned Portune said, “It goes without saying I’ve not been satisfied with what we have gotten out of the Allerton Hill and I agree with the void of that contract.”
Responding to Portune’s comment, Board member Eileen Washburn said, “I think that sums it up.”
The second action was also a unanimous vote to participate in Ohio Open Checkbook. This will allow the public easier access to District spending.
Treasurer Kevin Hawley said he hopes to get the most recent 12 months of data on-line in two weeks and then each month another year would be added. The Board discussed a target goal of having five years’ worth of data on the site by the end of 2019. The motion that passed said the District would participate in Open Checkbook and the Treasurer’s office will enter one-year’s worth of data within the next 2 weeks.
Below is OPENGOV’s video demonstration of how Ohio Open Checkbook should work for District residents. The City of Loveland uses Open Checkbook and you can check it out HERE.
Users can search by a specific department, date, vendor, or use the Google-style search bar, which will return any value in the report that matches the entered text. Keywords may be searched by simply clicking on the term – one of the most popular ways to explore the data.
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you can hear the discussion on these two motions. (From the bottom of the screen are Treasurer Kevin Hawley – Board member Eileen Washburn – Board Vice President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz – Board President Art Jarvis – Board member Ned Portune – Board member Michele Pettit – Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse.)
Lebanon, Ohio – The Southwest Region Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has recognized the Loveland City Board of Education with an award for reaching the “Gold Level for Effective School Boards.” The award, which signifies the outstanding work of the school board and the positive cooperation and collaboration among the board, district superintendent, treasurer and administration, was presented at the Southwest Region OSBA Spring Conference in Lebanon, Ohio, on March 12.
“We are so grateful to our board members and the tremendous amount of work they put into the decisions for our school district,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “Each and every member is committed to our vision of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction and makes significant contributions to the work we do every day. This award is well deserved!”
Gold level award winners meet at least 23 of 26 criteria determined by the OSBA, including among others, clear goal-setting, serving as a united team with the superintendent and administration, and practicing fiscal accountability. Board of Education members are: Art Jarvis (president), Dr. Kathryn Lorenz (vice president), Michele Pettit (board member), Ned Portune (board member) and Eileen Washburn (board member).
The Loveland Board of Education met on January 10 to elect leadership positions and establish the meeting calendar for 2019. (Pictured left to right: Michele Pettit, Ned Portune, Eileen Washburn, Art Jarvis and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz.)
Board also sets Meeting Calendar for 2019
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District convened for its annual organizational meeting on January 10 to establish the 2019 leadership and meeting calendar.
The board appointed Art Jarvis to continue to serve as president and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz as vice president for 2019. In addition, the board members participate in various committees and initiatives to advance the interests of the district and the board, including policy work, facilities, student experience and safety, among others.
The board voted to conduct regular monthly business meetings at 6 PM. on the third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted.* The meetings will be held in the Loveland Middle/Intermediate School Media Center on 757 South Lebanon Road. Additional meetings during the month will be designated by the board at a time and place properly announced.
January 22, 2019 (fourth Tuesday)
February 19, 2019
March 19, 2019
April 16, 2019
May 21, 2019
June 25, 2019 (fourth Tuesday)
August 15, 2019 (third Thursday)
September 24, 2019 (fourth Tuesday)
October 15, 2019
November 19, 2019
* No regular business meeting is scheduled for July or December.
The board voted to conduct other regular meetings, primarily as work sessions, on the first Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted.* These meetings will be held in the Board of Education office at 6: PM on the following dates:
February 5, 2019
March 5, 2019
April 2, 2019
May 7, 2019
June 4, 2019
August 6, 2019
September 3, 2019
October 1, 2019
November 7, 2019 (first Thursday)
December 10, 2019 (second Tuesday)
*No regular work session meeting is scheduled for July.
Take Home Tano is about fresh, wholesome food for the frenzied family
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.”
Judge Brad Greenberg administers the oath of office to Board Member Eileen Washburn.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District convened for their annual Organizational Meeting Thursday, Jan. 11, to elect new officers and establish the 2018 meeting calendar. Prior to voting, newly elected Board Members Ned Portune and Eileen Washburn were officially sworn in, along with re-elected Board Member Michele Pettit.
Judge Brad Greenberg administers the oath of office to Board Member Ned Portune.
The Board established 2018 leadership, electing Art Jarvis as president, and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz as vice president. In addition, the Board of Education appointed the following Board of Education members as
committee representatives for the 2018 calendar year:
Facilities Committee: Art Jarvis and Michele Pettit
Finance Committee: Art Jarvis and Ned Portune
Student Achievement Committee: Ned Portune and Eileen Washburn
Policy Committee: Dr. Kathryn Lorenz and Ned Portune
Judge Brad Greenberg administers the oath of office to Board Member Michele Pettit.
The Board also voted to conduct regular monthly business meetings for Calendar Year 2018 on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted* at 6 PM in the Media Center of the Loveland Intermediate School. Additional meetings during the month can be designated by the Board of Education at a time and place properly announced.
January 30, 2018 (4th Tuesday)
February 20, 2018
March 20, 2018
April 17, 2018
May 15, 2018
June 21, 2018 (3rd Thursday)
August 21, 2018
September 25, 2018 (4th Tuesday)
October 16, 2018
November 27, 2018 (4th Tuesday)
* No regular meetings are scheduled for July or December.
The Loveland Board of Education voted to conduct other regular monthly meetings primarily as work sessions for Calendar Year 2018 on the first Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted on the following dates at 6 PM. in the Loveland Board of Education office:
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!
Loveland, Ohio – School Board President Dave Blumberg released this statement last night just as the polls closed. He was defeated in his re-election bid for a second term on the Board. Blumberg submitted a nominating petition with 71 valid signatures. The required number of valid signatures is 75. He then filed the required paperwork to be a write-in candidate.
I sit here on the evening of the election reflecting on what a pleasure it is to live in such a wonderful community. As a write-in candidate for the Loveland School Board of Education, the odds of success are very small. Recently many community members endorsed me through powerful email and social media messaging. For those who wrote on my behalf, read on my behalf and voted, I am particularly grateful. I will reflect fondly on my previous four years as a Board member. The time spent endeavoring to improve the student educational experience through collaboration with very talented people has been profoundly gratifying. Handing two of my daughter their diplomas were personally indelible moments. Thank you to my wife, daughters and friends for their support during this election. Regardless of the election outcome, I am humbled by the community support and want everyone to know how appreciative I am. Go Tigers!
The final results in the race for the three open seats on the Board are as follows:
(3 to be elected – 4 year term)
Michele N. Pettit – 2953
Ned Portune – 2961
Eileen Washburn – 2963
Dave Blumberg (Write-In Candidate) – 403
Michele Pettit was re-elected, and first-time candidates Ned Portune and Eileen Washburn were successful, with Washburn receiving the most 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 last year. The term ends after this November’s election. This Board position is one of the open seats you see above.
We have reported how many write-in votes were received in each county, however, it is not until the official count that we will have a true total of “valid” write-in votes.
If you would like to explore the topic of Transgender youth and adults even further please check out “
