Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education met on Tuesday, December 17 and unanimously passed a resolution to place an operating levy of 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot. The deadline to file the resolution with the Hamilton County Board of Elections is today, December 18.
Neither Board Superintendent Amy Crouse or Treasurer/CFO Kevin Hawley wanted to speak to Loveland Magazine after the meeting, so details of the implications of the levy are sketchy. Neither Crouse or Hawley would discuss the budget cuts they are proposing or the amount the levy would provide the District. However, Crouse did say last week in a press release, “Approximately $2.7 million dollars of budget cuts will be made in conjunction with the levy. They will include a combination of reductions in the instructional cycle budget (textbooks, etc.), staff, and contracted services, among others.”
Last week’s press release also said:
The 6.95 millage levy translates into approximately $20/month ($243 annually) per $100,000 of appraised home value as determined by the county auditor.
District Ad Hoc Advisory committee that was appointed to discuss how the District should move forward after the defeat of a combined operating and bond issue that was on the November ballot discusses the Board’s vote. He talked about the new levy and also about a new community organization that has formed, Loveland Voice. Friemoth said they will meet soon to discuss their actions going forward. One thing he stressed is that he feels that the Board must take purchasing the Grailville land off the table at their next meeting if they want voter support for the new levy.
Below is the Resolution that was to be delivered to the Hamilton County Board of Elections today.
Board members, Michele Pettit, Ned Portune, Eileen Washburn, President Art Jarvis, and Vice President Kathryn Lorenz
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has called a special meeting for Tuesday, December 17. This meeting will be held to consider a “resolution to proceed” in order to place a March operating levy on the ballot.
The Board will also go into executive session to discuss employment matters.
The 6 PM meeting is in the Loveland Intermediate and Middle School’s Media Center at 757 S. Lebanon Road.
Treasurer Resolutions
Approve a resolution declaring intent to proceed with election on the question of an additional tax in excess of the 10 mill limitation and certifying the same to the board of elections per ORC 5705.21.
The Board of Education met on Tuesday, December 10, and passed a resolution of necessity to place an operating levy of 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot. The decision was five weeks after a failed combined operating and permanent improvement/bond issue on November 5.
According to a press release issued by the Distric, the 6.95 millage levy translates into approximately $20/month ($243 annually) per $100,000 of appraised home value as determined by the county auditor. The board is to have the millage amount certified by the county auditor and intends to pass a resolution to proceed on December 17. The deadline to submit ballot language to the county boards of elections is December 18.
Loveland, Ohio –The holidays are here and so is Loveland High School’s winter sports season! Thus far LHS’s winter athletics have begun their season with a bang so what better way to showcase these talented Tiger coaches and student-athletes then to bring to you part 2 of the Loveland sports 411!
Men’s Wrestling
The Men’s Wrestling team started off their season with a dual victory at Sycamore on December 5th, winning 49 to 25. The Tigers won 9 out of the 14 matches! Check out the moments captured from the big win at Sycamore below!
The Tiger Wrestlers will be in action again on Thursday against Harrison at home.
Men’s and Women’s Swimming/Diving
The Men’s and Women’s Swim and Dive team kicked off their season at Sycamore on December 3rd and December 7th for the Sycamore High School Invitational. The Tigers had both impressive dives and freestyles! Nami Cannon took first place in the 100 Butterfly and the Women’s dive team consisting of Sydney Keil, Shelby Cline, Kali Egan, and Morgan Eversole also collected some very impressive results!
Nami Cannon is this weeks @RPDiamondprint Athlete of the Week. She is a senior Swimmer who won the 100 Fly and placed second in the 200IM this past week! Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/j1EAAiX1ud
The Men’s Swim and Dive team also produced some impressive results at Sycamore! Some of the Tiger top performers were Jackson Farrell who swam in the 500 Freestyle and the Men’s 200-yard medley team which consisted of Carle, Jenkins, Ferrill, and Bacanurchi. Below are some of the moments captured at Sycamore!
The Men’s and Women’s Swim/Dive Team competed at Walnut Hills on Tuesday, December 10th, in which we will bring you the results when we receive them, and will be swimming back into action on Tuesday, December 17th at New Richmond at 4 PM.
Men’s Bowling
The Loveland Men’s Bowling Team has been bowling away the competition, improving their record to 4-1 in the ECC and 5-1 overall! The Tigers are currently in 2nd place in the ECC. On Tuesday, December 3rd the Tigers took on Kings at Mason Bowl grabbing a win with a score of 2480 to 2307. Below are Loveland’s stats from the competition.
The Men’s Tiger’s Bowling Team faced Kings again on Wednesday, December 4th at Crossgate Lanes. The Tiger’s bowled their hearts out but unfortunately lost 2571 to 2538. Loveland competed again on Wednesday, December 11th bouncing back with a big win against Walnut Hills, 2463 to 1851. Below are the results from the Tiger’s win against Walnut Hills as well as some action shots!
The Men’s Bowling team will compete again today against Walnut Hills at 3:30 PM at Stone Lanes and on Sunday for the Holiday Classic at Western Bowl.
Women’s Bowling
The Loveland Women’s Bowling are dominating the ECC holding the 1st place spot with a 5-0 record in the ECC and a 6-0 record overall! On December 3rd and 4th, the Tigers grabbed two wins against Kings with a score of 1929 to 1869 on Tuesday and 2054 to 1811 on Wednesday. Below are the impressive stats from the 2 games against Kings.
The Loveland Women’s Bowling Team grabbed another win against Walnut Hills yesterday at Crossgate Lanes, with a score of 1833 to 1504. Below are the results as well as some photos from the competition!
The Tigers are in 2nd place in the ECC for “team average,” holding a solid 700.5, and Tiger bowler Grady Pettit is in 3rd place in the ECC for her individual average, which is a 170.4. The Loveland Women’s Bowling team will compete again today against Walnut Hills at 3:30 PM at Madison Bowl and on Saturday at 9 AM at Western Bowl for the Holiday Classic.
Academic Team
The Loveland High School Academic Team has also had a great start to their season improving their record in the ECC to 3-1! On Wednesday, December 4th the Tigers competed at Walnut Hills where they gained both a win and a loss. The Academic Team won 81 to 68 in the first game and lost 77 to 69 in the second game. The Tigers competed again on Wednesday, December 11th at Turpin and achieved two big wins! Loveland won 82 to 51 in the first game and 77 to 57 in the second game. The Academic Team will compete again in the new year on January 8th against Milford at 4 PM.
And that wraps up your Loveland Sports 411 With me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – A Press Release issued by the Loveland City School District tonight reads:
Loveland Board of Education Passes Resolution of Necessity for Operating Levy in March 2020
The Loveland City School District Board of Education met on Tuesday, December 10, and passed a resolution of necessity to place an operating levy of 6.95 mills on the March 2020 ballot. The decision comes five weeks after a failed combined operating and permanent improvement/bond issue on November 5.
“We have sought the feedback of our community through an ad hoc advisory committee to determine the feasibility of a March ballot issue,” said Board President Art Jarvis. “We are tremendously grateful for the commitment shown by these individuals to step up, assist us and provide the community input needed for this decision. After collaboration and conversations with concerned community members, parents, staff and administration about the implications of both a March and a November 2020 operating levy, we, as a board, feel that it is in the best interest of the district to give the community the opportunity to vote in March.”
Approximately $2.7 million dollars of budget cuts will be made in conjunction with the levy. According to Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse, they will include a combination of reductions in the instructional cycle budget (textbooks, etc.), staff, and contracted services, among others.
“When implementing cuts in our budget, our priority is to protect our students and the growth, achievement and academic momentum gained over the past several years,” said Dr. Crouse.
If the March levy fails, additional cuts will need to be made in order for the district to go back on the ballot in November 2020.
Operating levies fund the school district’s day-to-day expenses, including the salary and benefits of staff, which at Loveland make up approximately 83 percent of operating expenditures. Loveland Schools receive about 32 percent of its budget revenue from the state, an amount that remains relatively flat from year to year. The majority of the budget, nearly 60 percent, must be generated locally – mainly through property taxes. This locally-generated source of funding is also flat due to Ohio House Bill 920, which prevents schools from collecting additional revenue as home values increase over time.
In addition to voting for a March levy, the board discussed the intention to look into options for increasing transparency and community involvement, for example through a model of community advisory groups, one of which would focus specifically on school funding issues and advocacy at the state level.
“We will continue to work with our community on creative solutions for increasing income and reducing expenditures,” said Dr. Crouse. “Our school facility needs as presented earlier this year still remain and will eventually need to be addressed, but the board will not be placing any levy on the ballot for facilities in November.”
The 6.95 millage levy translates into approximately $20/month ($243 annually) per $100,000 of appraised home value as determined by the county auditor. The board will have the millage amount certified by the county auditor and intends to pass a resolution to proceed on December 17. The deadline to submit ballot language to the county boards of elections is December 18.
Loveland, Ohio – Below is the agenda for Tuesday’s Loveland Board of Education’s Work Session scheduled for 6 PM at the LMS/LIS Media Center.
The Administration has said that if the recommendation is to put an operating levy on the ballot in March, the board will need to pass an initial resolution of necessity on December 10, have it certified by the county auditor, and pass a second resolution to proceed on December 17. The content of the ballot issue must be submitted to the board of elections no later than December 18.
1. Opening Items
1.1 Adoption of Board Agenda
2. Discussion Topics
2.1 First Reading Policy 5460 – Graduation Requirements
2.2 Open Checkbook Update
2.3 Discuss the potential of a March levy which may include the passage of the first of two resolutions for the March ballot
3. Superintendent Resolutions
3.1 Approve course adoptions for 2020-2021
4. Treasurer Resolutions
4.1 Approve disposal of inventory
5. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
5.1 Resignations and employment of certified, classified, homebound, substitute and supplemental positions for the 2019-2020 school year
5.2 Motion to approve travel for our athletic teams, performance groups or individuals will be staying overnight at an event.
Loveland, Ohio– On December 3 the Loveland Board of Education met with their ad hoc advisory committee to discuss how the District should move forward after the defeat of a combined operating and bond issue that was on the November ballot. This is Part 1 of the meeting where the fate of the option to purchase 110 acres at Grailville was discussed.
Grail U.S. Executive Director Terrie Pucket was at this meeting to discuss their stance on the contract they have signed with the District.
The Administration also brought in their consultant to discuss land and building options.
To view the slides used for the discussion go HERE.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Board of Education is expected to discuss the purchase of the Grailville property at a “Special Meeting” on December 3.
No formal agenda for the meeting has been published yet, but besides discussing Grailville, the Board is expected to continue discussions with their Ad Hoc, Short Term Advisory Committee* that has been established to help the Board of Education to determine whether a March ballot issue is feasible or not. The committee met for the first time with the Board on November 26.
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.
The video of the December discussion is being up-loaded so stay tuned if you are interested in hearing the back and forth between the Board and residents. No consensus on how to move forward was reached. You can watch Part 1 and 2 right now by visiting LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV. The videos are being uploaded in 25-minute increments so you can easily pause and can return to take up where you left off.
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.
Up-Coming Meetings
Tuesday, December 3, 6 PM (special meeting) (LMS/LIS Media Center)
Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (work session) (LMS/LIS Media Center) (LMS/LIS Media Center)
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.)
Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, November 13th, several Tigers were recognized for both their minds and their athletic abilities at the 2019 Annual Fall Sports Awards at Loveland High School! LHS Athletic Director, Brian Conatser invited friends, families, and Fall Tiger student-athletes to celebrate their 2019 sports seasons.
Loveland High School Athletic Director, Brian Conaster
Conatser began the heartfelt evening with a tradition of this ceremony at LHS…the senior athletes are announced and led into the gym by their head coach. Conatser invited LHS’s Site Manager and Facilities Coordinator, Jake Elfers to announce the 2019 Fall senior athletes and their coaches.
Next Conatser took the opportunity to thank everyone who made the athletes and coaches seasons so special! “Thank you, Seniors, for your leadership and laying the groundwork within our programs,” Conatser said, “This evening I would like to introduce the administration and members from the athletic department that have joined me in this celebration. Principal, Peggy Johnson, Assistant Director of Student Athletics, Eric Fry, Site Manager & Facilities Coordinator, Jake Elfers. And Finally…our Administrative Assistant in the Athletic Department, Kristy Brulport. A special thanks to all the individuals who support and assist the athletic department and our student-athletes on a daily basis. Parents, Student-Athletes please give your parents a round of applause for their support, feeding you, driving you to and from practices, and always being a part of your games and competition,” Conatser added, “LAB Team Liaisons please stand and be recognized. We appreciate your time commitment and efforts…as you are the link between our Boosters and our Athletic Programs. Thank you for all you do. Coaches, thank you for the tremendous amount of time you spend with our student-athletes. We appreciate you mentoring our young men and women and teaching them the life skills necessary to be successful both now and in their future. Thank you! We are “Extremely Proud” of our teams and programs this Fall season. You have all been Very enjoyable to Watch and Cheer on,” Conatser said.
The Tigers’ 2019 Fall Sports Season marked one of the most successful Fall sports seasons in school history with 5 ECC Champions, 4 ECC Coaches of the Year and 2 ECC Athletes of the Year. With all of these accolades, this puts the Loveland Tigers in the number one spot in running for the All-Sports Trophy. Conatser was sure to give praise to both the coaches and athletes for their designated seasons as he shared the “Coaches Highlights of the Fall Season” told through the coaches’ own words during the ceremony.
Next on the Fall Sports Awards agenda was the recognition of all of the Fall sports athletes who received top ECC honors. You can read about which Tigers received ECC accolades in the Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie MattiaHERE.
Next in the ceremony, each student-athlete who participated in a Fall varsity sport for all 4 years were honored. Conatser announced the following Tigers to receive this particular honor.
Men’s Cross Country
Sam Dippold, Alex Ditchen, Kyle Griffin and Brady Jeffcott
Women’s Cross Country
Sofia Dillhoff, Lexi Duff, Alexi Funk, Sarah Hallock, and Kirstin Thomas
Women’s Golf
Allison Rountree
Women’s Soccer
Maria Bashardoust and Claire Massey
Women’s Tennis
Anna Svitkovich
Following the announcement of the athletes who played all 4 years varsity in their designated sport, was the presentation of the 2019 Fall “Sportsperson of the Season,” and shortly after the presentation of the “Edward Jones Community Student-Athlete Award.” Loveland Magazine plans on featuring these two very special awards and its winners in a separate article coming soon!
At the conclusion of the 2019 Fall Sports Awards ceremony, Conatser recognized individual student-athletes that received awards “beyond” the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. Below are the student-athletes who were recognized for these very prestigious awards.
Women’s Tennis
All-City (GCTCA) Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association Award
Anna Svitkovich – 1st Team Singles
Tess Broermann and Hannah Wenger – Honorable Mention for Doubles
The Women’s Volleyball Team were ranked 6th in the city
Men’s Golf
District Academic Honors
Matt Rychlik and Luke Sence
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
Both teams participated in OHSAA Regionals
Women’s Cross Country placed 6th at the State Meet
Jessie Gibbins was named All-Ohio Runner
Women’s Volleyball
All-District Recognition
Jillian Hayes – 2nd Team All-district
Men’s Soccer
All-Southwest City
Cole Harter and Connor Patton
1st Team All-State
Cole Harter
All-Southwest City Coach of the Year
Mike Dunlap
Women’s Soccer
All-Southwest Ohio and All-City
Kaitlyn Andrews, Lauren Donovan, and Clair Massey
2nd-Team All-State
Kaitlyn Andrews
Women’s Golf
Adopt-A-Team winner
Below are the Fall sports teams that received accolades within the ECC and in post-season play.
Women’s Soccer
OHSAA District Champions and OHSAA Regional Runner-ups (Elite 8)
Men’s Golf
2019 ECC Champs
Women’s Volleyball
2019 ECC Champs
2019 Coach of the Year – Brian Baugh
Women’s Cross Country
2019 ECC Champs
OHSAA District Runner-ups
Placed 6th at the State Meet
2019 Coach of the Year – Steve Nester
Men’s Soccer
2019 ECC Champs
2019 Coach of the Year – Mike Dunlap
2019 ECC Player of the Year – Cole Harter
Women’s Tennis
ECC Champs
2019 ECC Coach of the Year – Dara Hudson
2019 ECC Player of the Year – Anna Svitkovich
Loveland Magazine would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of the Tiger coaches, student-athletes and their families for all the rightly deserved awards they received for the 2019 Fall sports season. I can say as former high school and collegiate student-athlete that your efforts have not gone unnoticed! The hard work, dedication, and motivation that all of you have put in during the season and off-season have paid off and for that, we are very proud to cheer loud and proud throughout the community of Loveland…..GO TIGERS!!!!
Loveland, Ohio – On November 19, before a packed, stand on the furniture in the back for a better view, house, Jennifer Monroe took to the open forum microphone to express views on the recently failed levy that was on the November 5 ballot. 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.
Monroe’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.
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.
![[Breaking] School Board votes to put 6.95 mills on March ballot](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/loveland-board-of-education.jpg)
![[Video] Grailville? YES or NO](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maxresdefault-1.jpg)
Loveland, Ohio – On December 3 the Loveland Board of Education met with their ad hoc advisory committee to discuss how the District should move forward after the defeat of a combined operating and bond issue that was on the November ballot. This is Part 1 of the meeting where the fate of the option to purchase 110 acres at Grailville was discussed.
![[w/photo album] Loveland Magazine Presents Loveland High School’s 2019 Fall Sports Awards!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-fall-lhs-sports-awards.jpg)
