Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District Board of Education has announced that it is seeking community members for a Planning Commission. The commission will assist the board with researching and evaluating a variety of assigned issues and topics relating to the schools.
“We see this as an opportunity to engage our community in a variety of issues affecting our schools on an ongoing basis,” said Board President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz. “I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to capitalize on residents’ expertise, ideas, and dedication to the success of our schools as it relates to finances, facilities, school improvements, student experience, communications, and community engagement.”
The Planning Commission will have a maximum of 25 participating members. At capacity, it will be composed of seven faculty and staff members and 18 citizens of the school district. The residents, who will be appointed by the Board of Education, will reflect the diversity of the community. Student participation will also be sought, in particular for the committee on school improvement and student experience.
Realtors Sarah Pfammatter & Richie Hill will present the stages of the home buying process from start to finish. In addition, Amanda Marcero, Loan Operations Specialist at Queen City Mortgage will be on hand to answer all lending & financing questions. No registration required.
Enjoy books, songs, activities, and more while learning early literacy skills. For preschoolers and their caregivers. Ages 3-6. No registration required.
Jim Hooper lives in the Loveland High School neighborhood
Jim Hooper
Catchy common phrase. Heard it used a couple times at the LCSD Adhoc committee meetings. Thought I ‘d try it out to gain perspective on the LCSD Levy situation.
Whoa, it’s high up here!
I see Loveland as a whole, comprised mainly of ranch style homes, modest neighborhoods, occupied by homesteader types who have lived in Loveland for decades – more semi-rural/rural than urban. Look down on West Loveland Ave, Rich Road, Rte 48, The Heights, Lebanon Road, the Glen Lake neighborhood, out towards Grailville , all the smaller roads off these arteries and you will see Loveland. Pocketed among these byways are sub-divisions like Chatham Woods, Pheasant Hills on the Lake, Woodford, White Pillars.
I see the Loveland School system. Led by the Board of Ed and the LCSD Superintendent. The BOE members are elected officials which automatically makes them politicians, whether they see themselves that way or not. We all know how politics works – from the local constituency the politician seeks out his/her core bloc of voters, those voters who will deliver the necessary votes to successfully elect. These politicians (BOE) are beholden to this core bloc. The bloc group influences the Board by way of their backing.
So what influence does 2,447 bloc voters have on a School Board and Superintendent?
In the case of the LCSDBoard of Ed I think we can fairly safely establish the core bloc of voters is 2,447 persons. I am thinking anyone voting FOR a 16.78 mil levy is definitely a BOE core bloc voter. So what influence does 2,447 bloc voters have on a School Board and Superintendent?A LOT!Especially under the “normal circumstances” of a levy issue – off year voting, little interest by the silent majority who assume their financial
The “Board Whisperers”
interests are being conservatively managed – the 2,447 voter bloc, under these conditions, pretty much guarantees the election of their candidates.And, pretty much guarantees the Board of Ed will be very receptive listeners. These people are the Board influencers – the “Board Whisperers” – the people in the ear of the Board members. They are the localized version of lobbyists. And, many of them are inside the school system where their voice is amplified many times over. Their job circumstances are directly impacted by money the LCSD spends.
Now I’m listening, now I’m reading, now I’m researching, now I’m in it with both feet.
Now under normal conditions, I don’t really mind this influencing activity. The only time I would perk up my ears and take an outsized interest would be, let me think,perhaps when this influencing campaign produced an unheard of, unconscionable, state record 16.78mil levy. Now I’m listening, now I’m reading, now I’m researching, now I’m in it with both feet.
I have heard a lot about trajectory, vision, maintaining forward growth, maintaining gains. Hey, I’m all for it! I support 2-3% trajectory, 2-3% vision gains, 2-3% growth gains. I fully support increase in hard work, efficiency, increased productivity. I fully support the LCSD taking baby steps to move up the rankings ladder. Set a vision of moving up 5 steps at a time. Great! Let’s not set a vision to move from a Value-Added rank of 433 to 22. I applaud the excellent 22 ranking. I do not applaud the fact that a lot of taxpayer dollars went into buying that result!
You know, the Bengals could be in the Super Bowl – all it takes is spending$$$. You know, the Reds could be in the World Series, all it takes is spending $$$. You know, the LCSD could be better than Indian Hill and Sycamore – all it takes is spending $$$ – taxpayer money!
My opinion is that there are “silent agendas” in our schools that the silent majority know nothing about.
Returning to the LCSD/Superintendent vision for LCSD. Firstly, what is that vision? I know only one thing about it – it costs lots of money($$$). Sorry, I do know another thing, that 78% of voters do not know Dr. Crouse’s vision for LCSD. Although, I am beginning to get some hints – $6,365,528 spent on technology improvements. Is this a Dr. Crouse vision, to be the most technologically advanced school system in the area. A four year 69.1% spending increase in “Support for the Instructional Staff”. $5,717,737 spent with Hamilton County ESC over 5 years. My opinion is that there are “silent agendas” in our schools that the silent majority know nothing about. These silent agendas are driven by the “Board Whisperers” – backed up by their votes at election time.
The taxpayer asked for $20/month over and over doesn’t realize they are slowly being taxed to death.
Again let me say, I have no issue with school agendas moving forward at a conservative, sustainable, within a budget pace ( 2-3% a year). I do have a huge problem with the LCSD making quantum leaps bought with my tax dollars. Now I have heard it said, “it is only $20.27/month per $100,000 appraised home value. Let me use an old saying – the frog in a pot of cold water over low heat doesn’t realize it is being slowly boiled to death – and the taxpayer asked for $20/month over and over doesn’t realize they are slowly being taxed to death.
What is really beginning to bother me is the total lack of self-reflection by the 22%. Based upon all I have read on social media the attitude is that “nothing wrong here – nothing to see here”, we know what is right, you (78%) are uninformed, and get out of our way. I must interpret that to mean spending will continue unabated. Not exactly the response hoped for (or expected) after a 78% to 22% drubbing at the polls.
I also hoped the myriad of testimonials from “forever” Yes voters that had been pushed to the difficult position of voting No would have enlightened the minority to question maybe something does need to change.
A consequence of losing a vote by a landslide 78-22% and in so doing shattering a trust that had been working for decades is the “trust but verify” is now “verify, verify, verify”. All aspects of the LCSD are now under a microscope for review.
The child learns not to touch a hot stove once; it seems the adults must touch the hot stove twice before a lesson is learned.
I am a “Know Vote”!
Jim Hooper lives in the Loveland High School neighborhood
Loveland, Ohio – Beginning Monday, Feb 3rd from 10 AM until 4 PM, the Loveland Valentine Ladies will be at the Loveland Post Office stamping your Valentine’s with a special cache stamp as well selling the 2020 Valentine card, by designer, Lilly Hummer.
Lilly Hummer on the left is a Loveland High School student who designed this year’s, Valentine Card.
The last day to get your cards stamped will be Thursday, Feb 13 at 4 PM.
The treasure hunt is sponsored by The Byrum Team, Remax Elite . The idea was given to us by Divrsion Arcade and Board Games . They have done the same thing in Harrison, Ohio with a great deal of excitement. We wanted to bring the fun to our community.
What
If you are clever enough to find the treasure you will win the chest, 2 1 troy ounce silver coins, one gram of 24 kt. gold, and the decorative treasure if you want that too. Total value of the gold and silver is just over $100
A real treasure hunt in the City of Loveland
We will hide two treasure chests. The chests will be filled with play treasure and our contact information. Just give us a call and we will bring the real gold and silver to you right away. We want to make sure everyone stays safe and the people who are out searching end up with the real treasure. Each chest found will mean, to the hunter, a .9999 fine 24 kt. gold bar and 2 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coins. Over $100 value.
Who
Anyone can play as long as they follow the guidelines posted below
When
Beginning Saturday February 8th, and ending on Monday, February 17th at 5:00 p.m. (If it is something that people really enjoy then we would love to sponsor more of them)
Why
For fun! Who hasn’t dreamed of finding treasure? Get outside, spend time with friends and family, meet your neighbors, and explore!
Where
Loveland, Ohio. All treasure can be found within 45140 Zipcode
How
On February 8th we will post 2 riddles to the Facebook Page. We will copy the riddles to the bottom of this post for easy reference. Use the riddles to track down the treasure. If no one has found a chest after one week we will be posting new clues to the Facebook pages to help our followers narrow down the locations. Also, reference photos can be found on the page if you have questions about the treasure or the chests.
RULES
By participating in this hunt you are agreeing to follow the guidelines set forth
Be kind and courteous
Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and will not be tolerated.
Please do not explore restricted, prohibited, or otherwise dangerous locations. No digging, climbing, or moving of anything is necessary to find the chests. No chests will be more than 4 feet off of the ground, they will all be clearly visible. No chest will be hidden more than 10 feet from a path or clearing. Do not destroy property.
No Spam
All local laws in land management policies apply. No trespassing, all treasure can be found on public property.
Follow scouting rules, Help keep our city clean! Take only pictures (and the chest if you find it!), leave only footprints behind.
Loveland, Ohio – At its January 21 business meeting, the Loveland City Schools Board of Education voted to cancel the contract with the Grail, an Ohio nonprofit, for the option to purchase 110 acres of Grailville – a property located on O’Bannonville Road east of downtown Loveland.
“With the overwhelming results of the November 2019 levy, the board has placed the facility master plan on hold until we can reengage the community in alternative solutions to our building issues,” said Board President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz in a statement issued by the District. “We have listened to our community and heard that it is not ready to bear the investment in the facilities plan as presented, and therefore purchase of any land without a definitive approved building plan would dilute funds
that will now be needed for additional years of maintenance to current facilities, and would be inadvisable in light of this changed financial need. For these reasons we don’t see the feasibility of moving forward with the purchase of land now.”
The board also approved resolutions related to the $2.7 million in expense reductions that are presented alongside the 6.95-mill operating levy request on the March 17 ballot. In addition to eliminating expenditures in the five-year forecast related to the planned expansion of programs and services; reducing consultants, contracted services and department budgets; and increasing fees; the district is eliminating staff positions.
A combination of 13-14 teaching, non-teaching, and administrative positions, and two future forecasted teaching positions are being eliminated. The positions being eliminated are determined first and the Reduction in Force process is then conducted per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Master Agreement timelines for notice and board action. Employees are released at the end of the 2019-20 school year with consideration to certification, contract, and seniority.
Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse said in a press release, “We have focused on reducing and eliminating non-employee costs, but because the largest portion of our budget goes toward paying salaries and benefits, we had to make decisions regarding the elimination of positions.”
Loveland, Ohio – The City has announced that visitors to Downtown Loveland will once again get the opportunity for photos with Mr. Red.
Thanks to the efforts of the Cincinnati Reds and the donation from Superior Dental Care, a new Cincinnati Reds Bench has been permanently returned to its location along the Loveland Bike Trail at Railroad Avenue and West Loveland Avenue. Mr. Red sits under the Town Clock.
The benches which were designed and placed throughout the greater Cincinnati area last year in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Cincinnati Reds and this location was among one of the honored spots.
City staff worked with the Reds to have a bench returned to the downtown district. In a Facebook post, the City acknowledged, “Special thanks goes out to Erika Galiette and Jansen Dell with the Cincinnati Reds for their efforts and of course to Superior Dental Care for allowing their bench to be placed in Loveland.”
The Reds home opener against the Cardinals is March 26 at 4:10 PM.
In the video above, council member Andy Bateman sits down to talk about his new experience at the job, the future of Loveland, and how he sees our city.
Mihaela Manova
by Mihaela Manova
Loveland, Ohio – Fresh from getting newly elected, Andy Bateman has grown in popularity with his youthful presence and warm demeanor. Ever since the Loveland community has witnessed his election and presence in the city’s governing body, the locals expect the best to come from his ambition.
We met for the first time back in December when he was inducted in the city’s governing body and we were excited to see what could come next for our city. You can see our coverage and our first quick interview with him HERE (begin at 0.54).
In our interview with Andy (his name preference contrast to Mr. Bateman or Andrew), we learn more about his origin of ambitions, his outlook on Loveland, and what he could change if given the chance.
Up-date from the Butler County General Health District on January 30, 2020, 3:20 PM:
In Ohio, two possible cases are being monitored in Miami University students in Butler County. The students have been isolated, and ODH is awaiting test results from the CDC. There are no confirmed cases in Ohio. Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading. Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday January 27th, 2020 .
Oxford, Ohio – Earlier today, Miami University Student Health Services notified the Butler County General Health District (BCGHD) of two possible cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading.
Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday afternoon.
BCGHD recommends that unless you have recently traveled from China or have been around someone ill with this new virus, your risk of getting sick is low. “If you have traveled from China and are, experiencing signs and symptoms contact your doctor BEFORE going to the office.”
Miami students, who meet this criteria, and are experiencing signs or symptoms contact Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 before seeking care according to BCGHD.
Public health officials have described the immediate health risk to the campus community as low and say they continue to work closely with Miami University Student Health Services and the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the novel (new) coronavirus that has emerged from Wuhan, China, over the past few weeks.
“This is what public health does and why we train,” expressed Jennifer Bailer. “Our staff, officials at Miami University and the Ohio Department of Health are taking every precaution to keep the community safe. The same precautions that protect against catching and spreading the flu are likely to be helpful for this respiratory virus: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your nose and eyes, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze and don’t go to work if ill. Displaying compassion to all people will be vital as the situation evolves.” This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Guidance on the virus is available on the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.
Message to the Community from the Vice President of Student Life
January 28, 2020
On Monday morning, one student at Miami University presented at Student Health Services with very mild symptoms, and with their recent travel, met the criteria and are being tested for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health providers quickly recognized that the presenting patient met the criteria for 2019-Coronavirus testing; results should be back from the CDC in the coming days. This student and his traveling companion are isolated in their off-campus residence while awaiting the test results. Miami and healthcare professionals continue to communicate and collaborate daily with the Butler County Health District and the Ohio Department of Health and are following their recommendations and protocols. We will share information with the community as it becomes available.
We are assisting and supporting these Miami students who are awaiting test results. We continue to work closely with local and state healthcare professionals and the Butler County Health District and Ohio Department of Health. If you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to the impacted area, please first call Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 to receive guidance on next steps. Miami has set up a call center to address any general questions or concerns at 513-529-9000.
Meanwhile, we are still in flu season, and these precautions are recommended for both the flu and Coronavirus:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
It is especially important to wash your hands:
Before, during, and after you prepare food.
Before you eat and after you use the bathroom.
After handling cash.
More frequently when someone in your house is sick.
Before/after smoking/vaping.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Clean your doorknobs/light switches and areas commonly touched with disinfectant wipes frequently.
Avoid contact with sick people.
Miami Health Services and Student Life professionals acted quickly with appropriate protocol, and we will continue to follow the best practices currently known. We have proactive partners in local and state healthcare. We will post updated information on myMiami as it becomes available. Please check announcements there regularly.
Amy Aspenwall (center), surrounded here by students in one of her AP Environmental Sciences classes at Loveland High School, is one of 20 teachers nationwide selected for “Nourish the Future” national teacher leadership training in San Antonio, Texas, in February.
Loveland, Ohio – As one of only 20 teachers nationwide, Loveland High School Science Teacher Amy Aspenwall has been selected to attend the national teacher leadership training by EducationProjects.org in San Antonio, Texas, in February. The training will take place at the Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest agricultural trade show, and professional development event.
“This is really exciting for me personally, but also for Loveland High School,” said Aspenwall. “It will provide leadership opportunities and allow collaboration with teachers around the country to identify and create new problem-based modules, flipped classroom materials, and science labs for our students.”
It will also highlight the connection between the science they teach in the classroom and the application to food production and food security.
Loveland High School science teacher Amy Aspenwall
EducationProjects.org has connected industry to the classroom for more than 20 years. The upcoming training, “Nourish the Future,” will introduce participants to the latest developments in water quality, sustainable agriculture, and 21st-century tools and technology in precision agriculture. It will allow teachers to take part in a curated tour of the trade show, with a focus on the science and engineering that support the production of food, fiber, and fuel. It will also highlight the connection between the science they teach in the classroom and the application to food production and food security. After the three-day event, teachers will continue to collaborate and access additional training through webinars and national and regional conferences.
“Agriculture is an important aspect of our work and a great opportunity to engage students in concepts and activities that impact their own lives,” said Aspenwall.
“Agriculture is an important aspect of our work and a great opportunity to engage students in concepts and activities that impact their own lives,” said Aspenwall. “When that connection is made, students are empowered to become more involved and engaged in environmental issues.”
Loveland City School District and Amy Aspenwall receives Sustainability Award by local chamber in 2018
Through the nomination of Aspenwall and her AP Environmental Science class at LHS, Loveland City Schools earned the Sustainability Award by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance in 2018. The award recognized the work with students and the commitment to developing environmental leaders for the future. Aspenwall’s class continues to offer authentic, hands-on opportunities for students to understand issues like water quality and biodiversity, and allows them to develop innovative solutions to problems. The class was implemented at LHS in the fall of 2016 and was filled to capacity after only a couple of years.
“We see this as an opportunity to engage our community in a variety of issues affecting our schools on an ongoing basis,” said Board President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz. “I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to capitalize on residents’ expertise, ideas, and dedication to the success of our schools as it relates to finances, facilities, school improvements, student experience, communications, and community engagement.”
Classic
by Mihaela Manova