WestChesterBuzz.com

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Suzanna Davis, who is now the principal at Lakota East High School after being promoted from East’s freshman campus, addressed students on the first day of school Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

New to Lakota: School district adjusting to changes- New changes like further teachers cuts, shorter school days for high school and junior high students, a healthier food menu for students, a pilot program to see how personal wireless devices like cell phones could help in the educational process and an influx of new school principals were among the fresh topics in the school district, which opened for classes (grades 1-12) last Thursday.

West Chester ranked among the top 100 small cities – Money Magazine recently named West Chester as one of its best places to live in America. The publication ranked West Chester No. 97 in its top 100 list of small cities to live. It was the only city in Ohio to be recognized in the list.

The Fresh Market in West Chester, 7720 Voice of America Centre Drive, opened Aug. 22, 2012. It is the company’s sixth store in the state of Ohio and its third in Greater Cincinnati. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

The Fresh Market opens in West Chester- Instead of cutting a ribbon to signify the grand opening of its first Butler County Fresh Market, the company celebrated by cracking a wheel of parmesan last Wednesday morning. The celebration didn’t end with a crack of the cheese, as the new West Chester location, 7720 Voice of America Centre Drive, also featured chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store and had drawings for Fresh Market gift cards.

Notorious sex offender caught again – Sheila McLaughlin of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported last week that one of the region’s most notorious sex offenders was out of prison seven months when he was accused of exposing himself to children again. One incident, in 2005, took place at Kohl’s in West Chester.

Lakota West’s Tyler Cross helmet comes off in what turned out to be a 46-34 Lakota West win against La Salle in the season opener Aug. 25, 2012 at Nippert Stadium. Photo by Joseph Fuqua II.

Mikel Horton carries Firebirds past La Salle in opener- After the game, Lakota West junior running back Mikel Horton said he wasn’t tired and was ready to go another quarter. A bold statement for the 6-1, 225-pound Lakota East transfer, who just rushed for 239 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries in the 46-34 Lakota West win against La Salle late Saturday night in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

Lakota East runs through Western Hills in opener – Senior running back Will Mahone rushed for three touchdowns in the first quarter, as the Thunderhawks cruised to a 42-7 season-opening win against Western Hills Friday night. In the first frame, Mahone scored on runs of 37, 2 and 27, as Lakota East jumped out to a 28-0 lead to begin the game.

Posted in: Board of Education, Business, Levy news, News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: best cities to live, Best cities to live West Chester Ohio, Fresh Market, Fresh Market West Chester, Lakota, Lakota academic schedule, Lakota Bell Times, Lakota Board of Education, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East High School, Lakota food, Lakota food options, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota reductions, Lakota school menus, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, Midland Atlantic Voice of America Centre, Money Magazine, Money Magazine West Chester Ohio, national news, reductions, Voice of America Centre, West Chester business, West Chester business news, West Chester jobs

Suzanna Davis, who is now the principal at Lakota East High School after being promoted from East’s freshman campus, addressed students on the first day of school Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Morning traffic flowed fairly smoothly, according to both Lakota high school principals, as prior changes to busing in the state’s seventh-largest school district seemed like a distant memory on the first day of school Thursday.

New changes like further teachers cuts, shorter school days for high school and junior high students, a healthier food menu for students, a pilot program to see how personal wireless devices like cell phones could help in the educational process and an influx of new school principals were among the fresh topics in the district.

However, despite all the new changes, parents continue to be concerned with the lack of busing. According to Lakota West principal G. Elgin Card, it is still the biggest issue he hears about.

The busing cuts began in January of 2011 and additional cuts, which went into effect on the first day of school in August of that same year, officially left the district with state minimum busing.

“Back then, it was really concerning just because it was easier for a lot of us to take the bus,” Lakota East senior Claire Casper said.

“Now, I think everyone (students) has adjusted really well. It helps that they all have a certain route that they used to taking.”

• New to Lakota: Healthier food options
• New to Lakota: Wireless devices allowed in classroom
• New to Lakota: Shorter school days

Overall, cuts in recent years totaling more than $25 million – including just more than $10 million in reductions for the 2012-2013 school year – have forced the Lakota Board of Education to make some tough decisions.

Those decisions have naturally led to larger class sizes through teacher layoffs and fewer electives due to shorter school days.

“When they cut a lot of teachers that affected the students because the classes got bigger and a lot of us miss those teachers,” said Casper, when asked what was the most damaging cut recently made by the school board. (more…)

Posted in: Board of Education, Events, Levy news, News, School events, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Lakota, Lakota academic schedule, Lakota Bell Times, Lakota Board of Education, Lakota busing, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East High School, Lakota food, Lakota food options, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota reductions, Lakota school menus, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, reductions

Emma King hugs her mom, Mandy, before getting on the bus for first day of school at Adena Elementary last August (2011). Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Local students in grades 1-12 will return to school this morning, as the Lakota school district begins its 2012-2013 academic year.

On the first day, students will have to adjust to a few changes including shorter school days for high school and junior high students, a healthier breakfast and lunch menu, as well as being allowed to use personal wireless devices for educational purposes.

• New to Lakota: Healthier food options
• New to Lakota: Wireless devices allowed in classroom
• New to Lakota: Shorter school days

As the Lakota community learns about the changes Thursday, WestChesterBuzz.com will interview the school district’s staff and students to find out what is being said within our local school walls.

Be sure to click on links provided to find out more about the changes and to visit WestChesterBuzz.com this afternoon for more on the story.

On another note, not all students begin class today, kindergarteners will have their first day next Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Posted in: Events, News, School events, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota academic schedule, Lakota Bell Times, Lakota Board of Education, Lakota busing, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East High School, Lakota food, Lakota food options, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota reductions, Lakota school menus, Lakota student focus group, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, reductions, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia

Students in high school and junior high will return to school this Thursday with different bell times than they had last school year.

Due to the more than $10 million in cuts made by the Lakota school board this past March, the school day will be 34 minutes shorter for high school students and 30 minutes shorter for students in junior high.

At the high school level, on the main campuses of Lakota East and Lakota West, the day won’t start until 8:05 a.m. Last year, the school day began at 7:30.

Meanwhile, on the freshman campuses, the day will begin at 7:50 a.m. this year, as opposed to the 7:15 start it had last school year.

At the junior high level, the school day will begin at the same time (7:30 a.m.) as it did last year. However, the day will end at 2 p.m., which is a full 30 minutes earlier than it did during the 2011-2012 academic year.

• New to Lakota: Healthier food options
• New to Lakota: Wireless devices allowed in classroom

The change in the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times are not expected to increase traffic, according to Lakota officials.

“We are not anticipating much, if any impact on transportation with the bell time changes,” Lakota’s executive director of business operations Chris Passarge said. “However, we need to get through the first couple of weeks to evaluate the changes and determine if there are opportunities to improve.”

While grades 1-12 report for their first day Thursday, kindergarten students will have their first day next Tuesday, Aug. 28.

To be best prepared for the 2012-2013 school year, Lakotaonline.com has links for student supply lists for every early childhood, elementary and junior high school. High school students will receive their supply lists from their teachers on Thursday.

School hours – starting and ending times – for 2012-2013

High Schools
Lakota East High School 8:05 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Lakota East Freshman School 7:50 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Lakota West High School 8:05 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Lakota West Freshman School 7:50 a.m. – 2:25 p.m. (more…)

Posted in: Board of Education, News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Lakota academic schedule, Lakota Bell Times, Lakota Board of Education, Lakota busing, Lakota cuts, Lakota reductions, reductions

Students in high school and junior high will return to school next Thursday, Aug. 23, with different bell times than they had last school year.

Due to the more than $10 million in cuts made by the Lakota school board this past March, the school day will be 34 minutes shorter for high school students and 30 minutes shorter for students in junior high.

At the high school level, on the main campuses of Lakota East and Lakota West, the day won’t start until 8:05 a.m. Last year, the school day began at 7:30.

Meanwhile, on the freshman campuses, the day will begin at 7:50 a.m. this year compared to 7:15 last school year.

At the junior high level, the school day will begin at the same time (7:30 a.m.) as it did last year. However, the day will end at 2 p.m., which is a full 30 minutes earlier than it did during the 2011-2012 academic year.

While grades 1-12 report for their first day Aug. 23, kindergarten students will have their first day Aug. 28.

To be best prepared for the 2012-2013 school year, Lakotaonline.com has links for student supply lists for every early childhood, elementary and junior high school. High school students will receive their supply lists from their teachers when school begins next week.

School hours – starting and ending times – for 2012-2013

High Schools
Lakota East High School 8:05 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Lakota East Freshman School 7:50 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Lakota West High School 8:05 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Lakota West Freshman School 7:50 a.m. – 2:25 p.m. (more…)

Posted in: Board of Education, News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Lakota academic schedule, Lakota Bell Times, Lakota Board of Education, Lakota busing, Lakota cuts, Lakota reductions, reductions

During a focus group session at the Lakota Central Office Thursday, it was the students teaching Lakota administrators on how to better run the state’s seventh-largest school system.

The student-led focus group was the first of four sessions with Lakota officials, as the school district looks for more effective ways to educate its students.

“Students will tell you the truth and that is what we are looking for,” Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia said. “We want to make sure we are responsive school system in meeting their needs. In order to do that, we need to ask them.

“This is just the tip of the ice berg.”

After the discussions with students, Mantia said that he hopes to extend an invitation for future focus groups with teachers and eventually with the community.

Among the topics covered, during the two-hour student focus group, included what ways students learn the best, how technology plays a role in their learning, what skills do they think they need to know for their future and what changes need to be made to the school system.

Lakota West senior Melody Stewart shares her opinion during a student focus group at the Lakota Central Office May 3, 2012. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

“Anything that could help us with our studies should be allowed,” Lakota West senior Melody Stewart said. “If that means going on Facebook to get something, then we should be allowed to do that. If you abuse that privilege than it should be taken away, but for educational purposes we should be able to go online and search for what we need.”

Stewart, who played volleyball in the Lakota school system and will continue her athletic career at Northern Kentucky University, also thought that the school system should focus on having more extracurricular activities.

“If I didn’t play volleyball, I don’t think that would be as involved in the school today,” Stewart said. “I think these activities help students feel connected to the school district. I believe we should get students more involved and have more extracurricular activities so they can have that connection and feel what I felt.”

Another Lakota athlete, who still has two more years of high school before he graduates, worries about the change in the academic schedule when the high schools move to six-period days in the fall.

“Next year is going to be a lot harder because we only have six periods,” said Lakota West sophomore Malik Grove, who has played varsity football, basketball and bowling. “You still need to earn enough credits. I will still need another foreign language and a fine arts class. I only have two years left to get those in order to get into to a good college.”

Meanwhile, Stewart hopes Grove and other future graduates will receive the same education she received while at Lakota.

“When I leave, I don’t want to see the school district go down the drain. I want them to keep improving,” Stewart said. “My experience at Lakota was great. I feel that I am very prepared for the future and I want other students who come up to feel the same way.

“I really hope that this meeting will give the school district a lot of information to keep improving our studies … because I believe there are many things that we can to do, to better prepare students for college and the workforce.”

Posted in: Board of Education, Events, Levy news, News, School events, Schools, Sports, Student achievements |

Tags: Tags: Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East Sports, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota preschool, Lakota preschool program, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota student focus group, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mel Stewart, reductions, Rich Hoffman, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia

Lakota officials are expected to provide an update on the school district’s budget reductions, as well as information about the possible restructuring of its athletic department at its school board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

In addition to those items on the agenda, Lon Stettler, former assistant superintendent, will be making a presentation about the new state education standards and Lakota’s vision for the future.

• Lakota will ask students for their input on budget cuts
• With millions in cuts, parents worry about Lakota’s future
• Lakota schools’ budget ax falls – district to cut 144 jobs

Information on all planned budget reductions can be seen at www.lakotaonline.com/budget.

The meeting will be held in the Thunderbird Room at the Lakota Central Office, 5572 Princeton Road in Liberty Township.

Posted in: Events, News, School events |

Tags: Tags: Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota West, reductions, school levy

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Lakota West senior Zak Farmer pitches during a 9-2 loss against Mason Monday, March 26, 2012. Photo by Adam Kiefaber.

High school baseball begins – Last Monday, both Lakota West and Lakota East began the 2012 baseball season with a loss during the inaugural Reds Future High School Showcase at Prasco Park Legacy Field in Mason. Lakota West lost by the score of 9-2 against rival Mason, while Lakota East lost to Hamilton 4-2.

Scholarship created to honor student involved in fatal wreck – The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty announced last Monday that it has established a scholarship fund to honor a Lakota West student, who died after being involved in a fatal car wreck March 16. The Ezekiel “Zeke” Stepaniak Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student at Lakota West High School that exhibits Stepaniak’s qualities.

Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia. Photo taken by Tony Jones.

Lakota seeks students’ input on cuts – Cincinnati Enquirer Michael D. Clark reported that Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia is reaching out to some of those hardest hit by Lakota’s recent $10.5 million in budget cuts – students. Mantia said during Monday evening’s Lakota school board meeting that she will invite students in May to discuss in person the sweeping changes.

Jack in the Box could open in mid-July – A spokesperson with Jack in the Box said last week that it is “only a matter of days” before the company breaks ground on its first restaurant in Ohio. The location, off Tylersville Road near I-75 in West Chester, is expected to be open by mid-July. The target date of the opening could be changed to due weather.

Rogers declared winner after recount – Last week’s recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed that T.C. Rogers of West Chester Township won the Republican primary for Butler County commissioner. Rogers finished 13 votes ahead of former commissioner and State Rep. Courtney Combs. Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus of Somerville in the November election.

Lakota West pitcher Ashley Sharp pitches in a 6-2 win against Lakota East Friday, March 30, 2012. Photo by Joseph Fuqua II.

Amylin shares soar on takeover bid – Cincinnati Enquirer’s Mike Boyer reported that shares of drug-maker Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. in West Chester Township soared 54 percent Wednesday after a report that the company rejected a $3.5 billion unsolicited takeover bid from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Shares of the San Diego-based company closed at $23.77 – up $8.38 in more than 10 times normal trading – after Bloomberg News reported the company had rejected the $22-a-share offer.

Lakota West defeated Lakota East in softball – On Friday, Lakota West won its fourth straight against its school district rival. The latest coming by way of a 6-2 victory over the Thunderhawks. Last season, Lakota East was ranked No. 1 in the state for most of the spring and lost only three of its 31 games. All three losses came at the hand of the Firebirds, including one that eliminated Lakota East in the state quarterfinals.

Posted in: Board of Education, Business, Election, Government, Levy news, News, Schools, Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Amylin, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Community Foundation, Community Foundation WCL, Community Foundation West Chester/Liberty, Courtney Combs, Ezekieal Stephaniak, Ezekieal Zeke Stepaniak, jack in the box, Jack in the Box Cincinnati, Jack in the Box midwest, Jack in the Box Ohio, Jack in the Box West Chester, Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East softball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, Lakota West softball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West student death, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, reductions, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia, T.C. Rogers, WCL Community Foundation, West Chester election, West Chester McDonalds, West Chester restaurant opening, West Chester restaurants, Zeke Stepaniak

Michael D. Clark reports

School Superintendent Karen Mantia is reaching out to some of those hardest hit by Lakota’s recent $10.5 million in budget cuts – students.

Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia. Photo taken by Tony Jones.

Mantia said during Monday evening’s Lakota school board meeting that she will invite students in May to discuss in person the sweeping changes.

“We really feel like we owe it to our students to ask them what they think their future will be,” said Mantia.

“This will be the first round of a series of engagement meetings. We will be recruiting a cross-section of about 180 students. Then we will go out to talk to the public,” she said.

Due to cuts in recent years totaling more than $25 million, thousands of Lakota students lost busing this school year and learned in more crowded classes.

The slicing of another $10.5 million next school year, including 141 teaching, classroom aides and school staffer positions – and loss of some elective classes – will mean even more changes next school year.

Lakota voters have rejected three school tax hikes in the last two years and Moody’s Investors Service might lower the district’s bond rating, school officials said.

Mantia said Lakota is one of 10 districts among Ohio’s 613 public school systems to have a top, AAA bond rating.

But Moody’s recently contacted Lakota officials after its levy losses, she said. “They particularly hone in on districts that are losing levies,” Mantia said.

“What communities do makes an impact on what interest rate we pay,” said Mantia referring to the higher interest rates the district must pay for bonds if Lakota’s rating is lowered.

Treasurer Jenni Logan said she and Mantia made a vigorous defense of the district’s financial viability with Moody’s.“We are fighting to keep that good rating and hopefully we will get some good news.”

Posted in: Board of Education, Levy news, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota preschool, Lakota preschool program, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, reductions, Rich Hoffman, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia

Lakota officials are expected to provide more details on what programs and what positions will be eliminated by next school year during the public portion of the Lakota Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

Earlier this month, the school board approved approximately $10.5 million in budget cuts to take place before the 2012-2013 school year.

According Michael D. Clark of The Cincinnati Enquirer, cuts include 141 teaching, classroom specialist, school nurse and school staff positions, and nine school and central office administrators.

Overall, the school board approved $3.5 million in cuts to its administration, $390,000 to athletics, $2.7 million to high schools, $1.6 million to junior highs, $1.5 million to K-6 and $1.2 million in cost savings to its preschool program. Only $73,000 of the athletic cuts will be saved from the school’s general fund. Most of the athletic cuts are being done to combat a shortfall experienced this year due to lower participation rates caused by last year’s hike in athletic participation fees.

The cost savings of $1.2 million to the district’s preschool program involves a merger that allows Lakota to purchase its preschool services from Butler County Educational Services. The merger will affect an estimated 288 preschool students in Lakota’s three early childhood schools and is expected to eliminate around 17 classroom jobs by the start of next school year.

• With millions in cuts, parents worry about Lakota’s future

The $1.5 million in cuts to K-6 includes the restructuring of the delivery of art, music and physical education at the elementary level (grades 1-6). Instead of students receiving instruction in each special subject (art, music and P.E.) one time each week, students will receive only one of the special subjects one time each week for 45 minutes a day.

The $1.6 million in cuts to junior highs includes the change in school day from six and a half hours to six hours and the change to six bells.

The $2.7 million cut from the high schools also includes a shorter day – moving back the current start time from 7:30 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. Dismissal will move back one minute from 2:39 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. It also lowered the number of credits needed to graduate, from 21 to 20.

The administration cuts include the elimination of about 50 jobs. Under the approved proposal, Lakota will cut one of its two assistant superintendents, two school building administrators and the dean of students at both Lakota East and Lakota West high schools.

Additional information on all budget reduction proposals can be seen at www.lakotaonline.com/budget.

Posted in: Board of Education, Levy news, News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota preschool, Lakota preschool program, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, reductions, Rich Hoffman, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia