[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6366561,"mediaKeyId","2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9","parentId",2159447,"title","Residents flood board podium over classroom displays, redacted legal settlement and outside influence","audioSeconds",3135,"startMs",2883220,"endMs",6019040,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9&start=2883&end=6019","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9/thumbnail_2883220.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6366561/Ohio/Residents-flood-board-podium-over-classroom-displays-redacted-legal-settlement-and-outside-influence","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366561-ab52fe662e65cd7e5d137a0fcbd5dbb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935821&Signature=hbBKu46ghmpDUzfZbR9P9rCzU9bXigWyeZjAY3HjFyakJV68jNRpR~UN17Uca18k1WQ2FCskyoWf8zZrbY-Qb2EGCPqZUDwPBEdNM0MJ4yFr3mhf7B-fIu2xINuXrpdEiAPpL3qnTT7VBx-U6kKd2qxf4-S-IwNOc5sGpWyiWAyUOoUOskF8XVEf1mOMyJta6Xfgl3nHnnEe5Ha~woOcdBluzjA3OnOtH8OvXvq-rDUmM-UThh51L81IKAxgxsuydf4JUe3B6u6sPqGTDlDFOAD4CUc5cW3WPKvYZ-MLohoCbepyRjdzZv5tPhFKiyakyJVh8qzl2iJjtkkLrwy5Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Little Miami Local School District","date","2025-01-29T02:18:34Z","article","The Little Miami School Districts Jan. 28 meeting drew prolonged public comment on a proposed neutral classroom-display policy (sometimes discussed as a \"flag policy\"), redacted details in a legal settlement and the role of outside groups in local school governance.

Speakers voiced widely divergent views about whether classrooms should be limited to the American flag, school flags and curriculum-related materials or whether such a rule would amount to censorship.

William Wentz, an attorney who said he had practiced law for decades, urged the board to preserve broad free-speech protections in classrooms and warned that a requirement to obtain approval for any display could amount to censorship. \"The basic problem here is that the policy that is being proposed really turns it upside down,\" Wentz said. \"The only place I see censorship extensively are in the totalitarian regimes. Not in The United States.\"

Other speakers argued the district needed a clear, neutral policy to avoid perceived ideological displays in classrooms. One resident suggested revising the policy to allow seasonal decorations while restricting politically charged materials.

Several residents, both district voters and people from nearby jurisdictions, criticized the presence of organized outside supporters who they said had come to influence the boards actions. One local resident, who said she was a parent in the district, urged the board to require proof of residency for public-comment priority, saying outside speakers should not displace residents when the meeting's 30-minute public-comment window is limited.

Board members also debated a separate but related item: a legal settlement presented with redactions. Several board members said only names had been redacted and that the redaction was intended to shield student and parent privacy; others pressed for the right to see unredacted documents in executive session before voting. A board member asked whether the board could review unredacted copies in executive session to be fully informed before approving a settlement. The superintendent and counsel said redactions had removed parents' and students' names and that the bodys legal review and human resources processes had been followed.

The public comment period included parents, teachers and residents who described both support for and opposition to the proposed display policy. Several speakers who identified as educators or former students urged the board to engage teachers and staff in the policy discussion; one speaker said she had heard from multiple teachers after the special meeting asking that the board consider teachers perspectives.

The meeting closed with the board voting to enter executive session for personnel- and negotiation-related matters.

Ending: The board did not adopt a new classroom-display policy at the meeting. Public comment and a request for additional review of redacted legal settlements signaled the issue will remain on the boards agenda as the districts leaders work to balance free-speech concerns, privacy protections and community expectations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 28th, 2025 Little Miami Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of residents and several attorneys spoke at the Little Miami board meeting urging different approaches to a proposed neutral classroom-display (flag) policy, criticizing outside influence, and asking for transparency around a redacted settlement. Speakers expressed concerns about free speech, safety and local control.","taxTitle","Little Miami Local, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",38704,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6366566,"Votes at a glance: Little Miami board approves personnel, contracts and resolutions; several routine items pass unanimously",3935,3664890,7600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9&start=3664&end=7600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9/thumbnail_3664890.jpg","/articles/6366566/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Little-Miami-board-approves-personnel-contracts-and-resolutions-several-routine-items-pass-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366566-adb1e4d54bd1f8f6ed3eedcca5ffb926/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935822&Signature=O5mIayO~X0l72Eg0EjCcEu69m--PPCEzHZCyKti~cmzejnIe3xqOggbw7I62c67gag1oKLv5D-cqvQs9Uok5GEULpzMlAqgQGdII0KbOIK4cXCW7a5AhSUDz3GBkOVI10OiR1zD4hRD6W9tPue7M7hcUJKL9KQ74YrSG0a5biDX5U2FwGexM6K3VHbVvRizOQugRd7ctGj8iCdddi0Awg4TcD1~SWk57l7baOv7Q0EQujomRDgsGUXaO2Kun4t9Jmx9j6u5IUy2-APXzH17xe-MIc70KNtBXZ-fNMCe4YLgsPM8s37DQwKACu16sruG7fiIOrPjCyIoOOR4nM7bF1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Little Miami School District Board of Education approved a series of routine business items on Jan. 28, including financial reports, contracts, donations and several resolutions. Most motions passed by roll call with unanimous support from members present.

Key approvals

- Monthly financial reports: The board approved bank reconciliations and cash summaries covering district funds.

- Contracts: The board approved three contracts noted in the agenda: services at the high school paid to two providers (Mary Kay O'Neil, $1,200; Lizby Hannah, $1,800) and a $1,500 contract with EdTech Leaders Alliance (ETLA) for data privacy services. The board voted by roll call; all members present voted yes.

- Donations: The board accepted two anonymous donations: $600 to the food-service fund to help students with negative lunch balances and $100 to the district general fund. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.

- Personnel: The board approved personnel items listed under superintendent recommendations, including summer-school staffing authorizations. Roll-call voting was recorded with all members voting yes.

- Resolutions: Several resolutions were approved by roll call:
- Resolution 25-001: Payment in lieu of transportation (rate cited during discussion as $583.86 per year). Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-002: Third-grade Ohio State testing to be administered by paper/pencil (for next year). Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-003: Authorize placing a notice in the newspaper for retiree rehiring (first step in the retiree-hire process). Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-004: Adopt the updated 2024 Special Education Model Policies and Procedures. Approved unanimously.

- Academic team trip: The board approved Little Miami High Schools academic team to attend the National Academic Quiz Tournament in Atlanta; students will leave the day after school ends (May 23). The board voted to approve travel and participation.

- Executive session: At the meetings close, the board voted to enter executive session to prepare for negotiations/bargaining with employees and to consider employment of public employees or officials; the motion carried by roll call.

The board recorded roll-call votes for each item; when names were read on the record they matched the board roster on file. The district clerk will publish the official minutes and attach the roll-call records to those minutes.

Ending: These routine approvals keep district business moving and set up follow-up items such as contract processing and personnel onboarding. The board scheduled follow-up discussions where applicable and will distribute any additional documentation as needed.","The Little Miami School District Board of Education approved monthly financial reports, contracts, donations, personnel items, and multiple resolutions, and authorized the high school academic team to attend a national tournament. Roll-call votes were recorded for each item.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6366571,"Little Miami board rejects rejoining OSBA, agrees to pursue Neola policy review",1477,1372840,2850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9&start=1372&end=2850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159447-4871ef29ffba8638ec1dd3ba7a11e3f9/thumbnail_1372840.jpg","/articles/6366571/Ohio/Little-Miami-board-rejects-rejoining-OSBA-agrees-to-pursue-Neola-policy-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366571-a496f926d6cb0e35148849f6ff19da2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770935822&Signature=DGnzjHXJe7VOz9irIWWLDyad7RxO4UADysDbv8ZVK36XJOolxReZxNTq5Q4LTxG-PZgct50azD0FmhxQgR7yvffw~WSAz5iqoNKpc61bfBRG4nLJ64sUiKjFr~gxvegXYldOmxkOdJhIDz0UudbB0NjHXJBi0BPYdzrq8vfsHyK7ghGxJOUry0U8A9GEkAGcgo9oSTst9Hgr~hp8y~fwxQMDNLejlUQt8XYxoDj0abhWlmp3DM-P7StflgijQ6sHyrNM~S~gC72ZOSkGjs2fMTVMt-179-dCYnfto4r16GfyfXnT8RXzjFwa~VzMpeG132kjAtLNx7YV~uguhFPtZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Little Miami School District Board of Education voted 2-3 on Jan. 28 to reject rejoining the Ohio School Boards Association and then voted 4-1 to pursue a contract with Neola to provide policy services if the price is acceptable.

The discussion drew presentations from OSBA representatives and a Neola representative, lengthy board debate and public comment. Regina Grice, board president, said the board was weighing advocacy and services before deciding how to proceed.

The vote matters because OSBA provides legal hotlines, policy maintenance and other services under the districts current membership, while Neola provides only policy services, billed as a standalone contract. Kathy McFarland, an OSBA representative, told the board that OSBAs legislative platform is set by member districts and that the association offers lobbying, legal hotlines and governance services. \"You are doing exactly what great leadership teams do, make sure that they're making informed decisions,\" McFarland said during her presentation.

OSBA staff and board members described services the district currently receives as a member: a legal hotline used for policy and special-education questions, BoardDocs meeting/governance support at a membership discount, participation in a bond program and periodic policy updates. Mark Bobo, an OSBA staff member, said the district currently pays about $10,600 in OSBA dues and that the cost of comparable services without OSBA membership \"would go up to $14,000 at least,\" not including loss of membership discounts tied to other vendor contracts.

Neolas representative, Mark Barhorst, described Neola as a narrower vendor that focuses only on board policy. \"Neola is different. OSBA, they do so many things. Neola, all we do is board policy,\" Barhorst said. He provided the board a written proposal with a one-time implementation price the company presented as $17,128; that proposal includes 32 hours of on-site orientation and drafting, two follow-up visits, up to eight travel visits, document processing and a digital publishing platform, according to his remarks.

Board members framed the choice along two axes: advocacy and perceived partisanship versus cost and services. David Wallace, a board member, said he objected to OSBA advocacy he viewed as working against parental-rights legislation in Columbus and told the board he would not support an organization that \"participates in doing so.\" Other board members defended OSBAs role in providing legal and operational support and warned that leaving OSBA could raise costs and reduce services, particularly for BoardDocs and bond-related assistance.

Public commenters were split. Some residents urged the board to keep OSBA membership for services and to preserve support for public education; others, including speakers from outside the district, urged the board to resist what they described as OSBA political advocacy and to adopt a more locally controlled vendor. Amanda Hollingsworth, a district resident, criticized one board members comments as privileging the views of parents with children in the district: \"Mr. Wallace claims that his opinion should carry more weight than those of other board members because he does have children within the district,\" Hollingsworth said during public comment.

After discussion, the board voted on two separate motions. A motion to rejoin OSBA (to restore membership) failed on a 2-3 roll call. The subsequent motion to pursue Neola as the districts policy vendor if pricing proved acceptable passed 4-1.

Board leaders said they will circulate final pricing and contract terms to members before a future meeting. Barhorst said he would follow up with a written proposal the next morning; OSBA staff said they would provide details about services and membership benefits. Several board members asked for additional cost detail and time to review vendor contracts before any final contract is signed.

The board asked that pricing and contract details be shared by email with board members and that any final contract not exceed the boards procurement thresholds without explicit board approval.

Votes and next steps were scheduled for a future meeting after staff circulated quotes and contract language.

Ending: Board members said the choices would come down to how the district balances membership services and advocacy with the cost and the desire to retain local control over policy. The board directed staff to distribute Neola's proposal and to bring any final contract back to the board for approval, if the price and terms were deemed acceptable.","After a two-hour debate about advocacy, costs and local control, the Little Miami School District Board of Education voted down a motion to rejoin the Ohio School Boards Association and approved pursuing a contract with Neola to handle district policy drafting and updates if pricing is acceptable.","actionData","errors"]

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Residents flood board podium over classroom displays, redacted legal settlement and outside influence

Votes at a glance: Little Miami board approves personnel, contracts and resolutions; several routine items pass unanimously

Little Miami board rejects rejoining OSBA, agrees to pursue Neola policy review