STATE SWIM CHAMPS

Little Miami junior Steven won the 200 IM and 100 backstroke titles to become the area's lone double-winner at the recent Division I state competition. He took the 200 IM in 1:51.54, and then came back later to capture the 100 backstroke in 49.25.

"I'm shocked really," Steven said. "It's such a great experience and honor to win two events at one of the fastest meets in the country. My coach and I have worked hard at trying to fix my stroke, and I just wanted to prove myself."

Tyler placed fifth in the 100 backstroke with a time of 52.51 seconds and seventh in the 500 yard freestyle by posting a result of 4:42.44.

INVENTION COMING TO LITTLE MIAMI

In partnership with Invent Now Kids, the Little Miami School District is once again, pleased to offer the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program at Little Miami High School to children entering grades one through six.

This exciting summer day experience immerses children in imaginative play that reinforces and supplements school-year learning through inquiry-based activities in science, technology, engineering and math. Each day of the program week, children rotate through five integrated modules that require creative thinking to solve real-world challenges. Working together, children learn vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on learning — all disguised as fun!

Children will be challenged to rebuild a virtual world and act as entrepreneurs as they establish a new marketplace in the "Hatched" module, explore alternative energy to power their robotic creatures in the "Power'd" module, and discover surprising mathematical connections between soap bubbles and lightning bolts in the "SMArt: Science, Math & Art" module. The program also will feature the "I Can Invent" module, where younger children will take apart discarded household appliances and create fantasy inventions, while older children will use the pieces and parts to build Rube Goldberg machines. Also featured will be the "Global Games" module, where children will explore ancient cultures and sports like lacrosse and soccer from civilizations around the world. Local educators will facilitate the program modules. This renowned program features a low staff-to-child ratio, with one staff member for every eight children.

This exciting week of activities will occur June 21-25 at Little Miami High School, when Debra Davidson will return to direct the Camp Invention INNOVATE program. This fabulous camp program is open to all area age eligible students. You do not have to attend Little Miami schools to register for this camp.

The registration fee includes a Camp Invention T-shirt. Register before March 31st or with a friend to receive $25 off the base price of $210. Availability is limited, so visit or call 800.968.4332 to reserve your child's spot today! For questions or donations, please contact Debra Davidson at or 513-899-3449.

LITTLE MIAMI RECEIVES FREE CURRICULUM SERVICES

After former Director of Curriculum and Instruction Bill Sears accepted a position as interim superintendent for Loveland Schools, Little Miami decided not to fill his vacancy. However, the Warren County Educational Service Center has offered free curriculum services to the district for the remainder of the school year.

"This no-cost opportunity will allow us to keep focus on our K-12 curriculum initiatives," said Superintendent Dan Bennett. "The district's financial distress can certainly jeopardize the quality of education for our students, and we appreciate the WCESC's efforts to help us continue our tradition of excellence."

Mr. Larry Hook began his new position at Little Miami on March 1. He will be assisting with curriculum and instruction, gifted services, English as a Second Language services and credit flex and dual credit planning. He will also work with principals on data collection, short cycle assessments and the value-added initiative through the Battelle for Kids grant; with the building level instructional collaborative teams; and with the media specialist for library planning.

Mr. Hook previously served as the Assistant Superintendent for Springboro and as a teacher, coach and principal in the Milford district.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Little Miami Local Schools is preparing for kindergarten registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Packets are now available. Registration will be held at the following times, all at the Salem Elementary Kindergarten Building:

Packets may be picked up between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Salem Township Elementary Kindergarten Building, 605 Welch Road, Morrow, OH 45152. We strongly encourage families to complete the registration of their kindergarten students on one of the above dates to assist in the proper placement of all students.

For more information, please contact Nancy Journeay at (513) 899-5116.

PROJECT EXCELLENCE NOMINATIONS

It's time again to nominate outstanding educators for the Area Progress Council's Project Excellence recognition program. Nomination forms may be downloaded by CLICKING HERE. You may use this form to nominate an Excellent Educator or an Innovative Teacher. Remember the educator must hold a current teaching certificate and work for the public school system in Warren County, Ohio. Please mail your forms to: Area Progress Council of Warren County, Inc., Project Excellence Committee, P O Box 802, Lebanon, OH 45036-0802. Completed nominations are due by March 5, 2010.

BUY YOUR LITTLE MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK TODAY!

Don't forget to purchase a LMHS yearbook for your student. Buy the yearbook online at http://www.yearbookforever.com. Yearbooks are only $61.00 and your chance to buy ends March 27th.

If you have questions, please email advisor Erin Davis at edavis at littlemiamischools dot com.

MOBILE DENTISTS COMING TO LM

The Mobile Dentists and Smile Program is returning to Salem Township Primary and the Kindergarten Village March 23, 2010. This program brings on site preventative care services right to the school, including an exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, x-rays, and sealants. Signing up your children to see the Mobile Dentist is an easy and convenient way to get necessary preventative dental care.

Every child in the household may be seen by the dentist between the ages of 2-17 years old.

LM BOARD MOVES FORWARD

After four consecutive defeats at the ballot box, the Little Miami Local School District is quickly headed toward "fiscal emergency" and state takeover.

"The administration and Board of Education believe this community has sent a clear message to the district — find another way," said Kym Dunbar, Little Miami Board of Education President.

After last Tuesday's defeat of an emergency operating levy, district officials quickly began forming a new game plan.

"We held small group meetings, listened to community phone calls and emails and even met with our organized opposition," said Superintendent Dan Bennett. "The district is conceding, and we will be entering 'fiscal emergency' this summer."

At the same time, however, Little Miami will return to the ballot in May with two issues, which are both vital to the district's financial health. The Board of Education voted 5-0 in a special meeting Saturday, February 6 to move forward with a 1% earnings tax and a 6.483-mill emergency operating levy — both for five years. The operating levy will cost $199 annually for every $100,000 of home valuation. The final vote to place these issues on the ballot will occur at the regular meeting of the Little Miami Board of Education on February 16, 2010.

"We listened to our community, who said they support our schools but can't afford to keep us out of fiscal emergency," said Mr. Bennett. "We need to stop the divide and place a solution on the ballot that the community can rally around and support. Although it does not solve our financial distress, it provides relief during these difficult times. Our administration and board will begin the process of redesigning a different way to offer education with existing staff."

Since the defeat of an earning tax in November 2008, the district has heard that constituents now support a 1% earnings tax as a long term solution for school funding. Unfortunately, it would require nearly a 3% earnings tax to overcome the district's deficit. Placement of the smaller 6.483-mill tax levy is an acknowledgement by the board that during these tough economic times a reduced millage request is more appropriate.

Since the district will go into fiscal emergency regardless of the May 4 election, should the issues pass, Little Miami will be working with a state oversight commission to determine which previous cuts will be reinstated and a timeline for implementation. Among the issues that will be assessed are busing, facility use, length of school day, course offerings and extracurricular activities.

"While this approach won't avoid state intervention, it will limit the amount of time we are placed in Œfiscal emergency' and get Little Miami back on the road to local control more quickly," Mr. Bennett said.

Coupled with the ballot issues will be a fundraising drive. While still in the early stages of development, Little Miami will seek donations from the community to further reduce the dollars that the district will have to borrow going into the 2010-11 school year. Further details on this capital fundraising campaign will be forthcoming.

LM PLACED IN FISCAL CAUTION

Little Miami Local Schools is now officially under "Fiscal Caution" by the state as of November 14.

Since the levy failure earlier this month, the district has been working with the Ohio Department of Education to assess its financial situation, especially the projected deficit for the end of this school year as well as growing deficits in future years. In accordance with Section 3316.031(C) of the Ohio Revised Code, the Little Miami Local School District Board of Education must submit a fiscal caution proposal by January 14 that addresses the projected deficits for the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. Highlights of Fiscal Caution:

SPECIAL AUDIT CONFIRMS LM PROVIDES EXCELLENCE WITH VALUE

A special performance audit recently released by the state indicates Little Miami Local Schools is operating very efficiently.

"The results of the audit are bittersweet," said Superintendent Dan Bennett. "They confirm what we already knew — this district is providing excellence with value. At the same time, however, they also indicate there are not many areas left for the district to cut."

According to State Auditor Mary Taylor, "the performance audit contains recommendations which identify the potential for cost savings and efficiency improvements. The performance audit also provides an independent assessment of LMLSD's financial situation and a framework for its financial recovery plan."

The report was performed by the Auditor of State's office at no cost to the district due to its dire financial situation. The report compares Little Miami to similar districts and to state minimums, finding that LM already is approaching state minimums and compares favorably to other districts in finances, human resources, transportation and facilities.

According to the audit, "Overall, LMLSD is a high functioning District operating with solid management practices. Administrators have exhibited prudent fiscal and operational decision-making in managing its projected General Fund deficit. Prior to, and during, this performance audit, the Board of Education and District administrators were proactive in making difficult decisions to deeply reduce overall expenditures and lessen future operating deficits."

Auditors did identify an estimated cost savings of $399,500 by cutting 1 additional custodial position, lowering retirement contributions for exempted staff, reviewing services provided by the Warren County Educational Resource Center, reviewing energy conservation practices, reducing the fleet by two buses and increasing routes times and ridership capacity.

"We will carefully evaluate how to implement the state audit's recommendations," said Treasurer Shaun Bevan. "We are interested in decreasing costs, but reducing expenses by nearly $400,000 won't eliminate a multi-million dollar deficit."

Please click here to review the full report.

LM COULD FACE STATE TAKE OVER

"Excellent" isn't the only rating Little Miami Local Schools expects to receive from the state. By next summer, school officials anticipate the state auditor to declare the district — which is projecting a $6 million deficit next year — in "fiscal emergency."

According to Ohio Revised Code (Section 3316.03), fiscal emergency, which is similar to bankruptcy, is given to districts with an operating deficit exceeding 15 percent of the general fund, and in which voters have not approved a levy that would raise enough money to eliminate the deficit. There are currently 5 Ohio school districts in fiscal emergency.

For more information about fiscal emergency, please click here.*PowerPoint
To see how Little Miami compares to districts in fiscal emergency, please click here.