LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Roberta Paolo

  • Roberta Paolo addressed the Board regarding the failed levy

    Roberta Paolo addressed the Board regarding the failed levy

    Loveland, Ohio – On November 19, before a packed, stand on the furniture in the back for a better view, house, Roberta Paolo took to the open forum microphone to express views on the recently failed levy that was on the November 5 ballot. Many in the community know Paolo as “Granny” as she was the founder of Granny’s Garden School within the Loveland schools. The Board asked voters to approve issuing bonds for $118,515,000 and a combined operating and bond levy of 16.78-mill. The levy was rejected by voters 78-22 per-cent.

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

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

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

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

    Te next meeting of the Board will be on November 26 at 6 PM in the LMS/LIS Media Center. (View the Agenda) Among agenda items is a “Recommended Action” by the Superintendent to cancel the contract with Allerton Hill Consulting. Another item is a resolution put forth by the Treasurer to participate in Ohio Open Checkbook. The Board is also expected to appoint an Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee. You can read the proposal below.*
    Other Meetings:
    • Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM (special meeting)
    • Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (work session)
    • Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM (special meeting)

     

    *Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee

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

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

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

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

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

    ————————————–


  • Granny’s Garden School continues in Loveland

    Granny’s Garden School continues in Loveland

    The photo above of is one of the Granny’s Garden School gardens on the Campus of the Loveland Primary and Elementary School in 2014.

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    As summer has ended and fall is upon us, Granny’s Garden School continues to provide an experience that many children will never forget. As our world is growing in terms of social media and more and more at-home activities, Granny’s Garden School gives back to our planet and brings children back to basics. 

    Granny’s Garden provides “hands-on learning experiences for children through school-based garden and nature-focused programs.” as stated on their website. For over fifteen years, this business allows 1st through 4th-grade students to explore the world of nature. With their courtyard garden and nature trail, trained Garden Educators lead lessons with subjects like science, math, and health to let kids apply new knowledge into the real world. Kids enjoy the paths and learn not by sitting in a classroom, but diving into mother nature. 

    Now Granny’s Garden will be under new leadership and will continue with its goals to teach the young and give back. As great support to the Loveland’s Life Food Pantry, Granny’s Garden donates a portion of their harvest each week of the growing season and maintains a close relationship, developing crops and donating constantly.

    As many parents praise the garden’s activities when clicking on their website, one can see a quote that reads, “My daughter loves the garden days so much we now raise a vegetable garden at home.” Other parents like Angela, from Loveland Primary School, said, “I value the lessons my children learn, the work the experts do and the beauty Granny’s Garden School brings to our community.” Outside activities prove that they can be brought inside as new knowledge and practices can grow a new future in Loveland. 

    With new leadership comes new opportunities, Granny’s Garden now accepts individual or group help all year-round. Leadership opportunities and educational team spots are also available for applicants. Follow this LINK to learn more about Granny’s Garden School, how you can help with your own resources and become involved.

    Roberta Paolo was the founder of Granny’s Garden School. When her grandchildren were young, they spent most of their time together in Paolo’s gardens. When they were in first and second grade, she wanted to extend that experience by starting a garden at their Loveland, Ohio school. The original goal was simply to give other children the chance to pick flowers. Granny’s Garden School took on a life of its own and grew to be one of the largest and most comprehensive school garden education programs in the country. Though she is retired from GGS, Roberta continues to provide guidance to school garden programs through her website.

    If you find this story useful and helpful in your daily life…