[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6141056,"mediaKeyId","5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af","parentId",5576354,"title","Treasurer reports benefits changes: vendor switch, health and dental renewals; routine investment reporting","audioSeconds",112,"startMs",1489000,"endMs",1601000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af&start=1489&end=1601","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af/thumbnail_1489000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6141056/Ohio/Treasurer-reports-benefits-changes-vendor-switch-health-and-dental-renewals-routine-investment-reporting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6141056-d9f05995528504a5e9be378d00339f4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973651&Signature=TGtxsAAOEoBZ2qPTSZsWm3m6CGodWp8zsLBtYPQGsrP97Ff-UI26e3a2Co2LJS7vIM4SGvo9bIMrWuJlaVJ7hZLzAf49Ky2uRQiisIN8c7gqaTAecLb4BrmZD4LpxtEL5D-bDoRXR6bn-0uZKVqVAzJDQd9v~tZlcv0CQntQSAzyx9oLrbSF9ztGxLKX9~kdsWlx1ks~rbj-om9J~C36Ta-435rxmxJ6ES6icw43P8K9WfimwTzF4QAgc83Z07nYr~NJL6uBC4eVskrSizuirJfptsVXT81h0hDkhJUsOG-6IFqmHdSyfDwKPwxpcQkxOmBnUV-FgWUYmqLeuGMJvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kings Local Board of Education","date","2025-08-14T00:28:43.93Z","article","Treasurer Morrow presented several financial and benefits items to the board, including a recommendation to change some benefits vendors, insurance-renewal rates and routine compliance items.

Vendor and benefits changes
Morrow recommended switching the district's benefits administration for many voluntary products to American Fidelity, saying the company offers many products at no cost to the district and that American Fidelity already provides some services to the district. He also recommended Enrollment Management Services for administration of health-reimbursement-account work tied to opt-out benefits.

Insurance renewals
Morrow said the district's health-insurance renewal represented an 8.3% increase for this year and that dental premiums with MetLife are expected to rise 6.1%; administrators said there is no plan change linked to those renewals and that the district will shop dental in the coming year when contract terms permit.

Other routine items
Morrow presented required investment reporting prepared by the district's advisor Redtree and asked the board to review employee calendars (which were updated to match negotiated agreements and handbooks). He noted the district is only one month into the fiscal year and had the usual bank reconciliations, checks and donations for routine review.

Ending
Morrow said the district had benefited from favorable consortium participation in recent years and that, after recent low increases, current renewals returned the budget to market averages. He asked the board to review minutes and financial documents and to share questions within the week.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kings Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Treasurer Morrow recommended switching benefits administration to American Fidelity for many products, reported an 8.3% health-insurance renewal and a 6.1% dental premium increase, and presented routine investment reporting and employee-calendar approvals.","taxTitle","Kings Local, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",38728,"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},6141060,"Board adopts updated handbooks, personal-device policy; district rolls out AI guidelines and student-access tool",646,2121000,2767000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af&start=2121&end=2767","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af/thumbnail_2121000.jpg","/articles/6141060/Ohio/Board-adopts-updated-handbooks-personal-device-policy-district-rolls-out-AI-guidelines-and-student-access-tool","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6141060-b729ce03fbe3cf2fef454cd9e8421f45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973651&Signature=Edl3aRM7C7bLuVwhGHh0Kh39SZBbu45YgRE4InJ-JF9mn30mG2sj4NZKO2UlIRpSPlpukzlvx6nE~2fDQnC21AuwQo7TFx0eybJkwYz~u~Hx4gYDsAGSoGHRHB9878wD7ZcfeXlzK3FAQTBRYX4ivGfMM12ZmxN7WqrtezzbTQo1rQiUT73fsfdM2eHL8hJ7Pt1V3jgimLxTEKB-iKqZWmibgPJgv-EOSSS7R57EGTND-wD9WKvwDm5fCOZvaF3gHBQq27TU4lMKaWzK9LJCsT9L2XV8o-7GA5QKsNXlsMXczeYin~OksZgR9b0EO6hTF4FtnzkBijsSCsfc9Wn0-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kings Local School District Board of Education approved updated staff and student handbooks that incorporate a new personal communication device policy, and administrators outlined district guidelines for classroom use of artificial intelligence and a tool the district will make available to students.

Handbooks and device policy
Assistant Superintendent Spinner said the personal communication device policy reached its second reading and that, if the board approved the handbooks, the policy language would be distributed to families via FinalForms and included in student handbooks. Spinner said parents would receive the updated handbooks \"tomorrow\" and students would get the handbook on their first day of school. The board then took a motion to approve the handbooks; a roll-call vote followed with multiple members recorded as \"Yes.\"

AI guidance and MagicSchool
Teaching-and-learning staff presented two documents: one set of guidelines for teachers and another for students and families. Staff said the district will provide MagicSchool as the student-facing AI tool because it complies with data-privacy requirements under Ohio law (Senate Bill 29 was referenced as the privacy driver). Staff noted that teachers may still use publicly available AI tools on their own, but not in association with student data. The technology team will provide professional development and a staff rollout; the district held an initial meeting with MagicSchool and planned a kickoff meeting with central-office staff the following morning.

Personnel and mentoring programs
The human-resources update included the hiring of Ian Weil as the new music teacher assigned to JF Burns, KME and CIS, and approval of cooperating-teacher stipends tied to a University of Cincinnati mentoring program for special-education candidates.

Ending
Administrators said principals plan to communicate the handbook and device policy to families during open houses and newsletters, and professional development will follow for AI tools before broad student use.","The board approved staff handbooks that include the updated personal communication device policy, and administrators presented separate AI-use guidelines for teachers and students plus district adoption of MagicSchool for student-safe AI access.",{"_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},6141063,"Columbia addition change orders, Kings Island agreement and bus disposals discussed; contingency funds remain",152,2140000,2292000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af&start=2140&end=2292","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af/thumbnail_2140000.jpg","/articles/6141063/Ohio/Columbia-addition-change-orders-Kings-Island-agreement-and-bus-disposals-discussed-contingency-funds-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6141063-fa762d68cf67bfcd8d22c41ff2b325f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973651&Signature=RPBRs14ERZE3GpoQYnHry5k60-njy-dw~VNBuNMRJNtEDfrkhtZDgXmag8aBE8xlyMQViS8qR4gOzySpneTXr-Mo1JNIUmywRJ~We6dziu6NIcY0siZdv5oeLFVN8SprQ2sB3b3SZJDISuaudkFAHKUcRrLjM~BSszh1ODrnsqLhY2moav2lth7dkZzd8qapcC7Ya9LX~bZfVa~aNWrKNSXAejoLjEqeA1Ea9QuGENpybveXb6sqrh-lB22lqAz3hwwkLCg9usWN4POK9on6NLViZIM3IlWWsG5ta6yZ5~2F6CdCOLo1JKg8XlIlVlw5uSpZWhitT2Oz5f9gErhx0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Construction and facilities staff briefed the Kings Local School District Board of Education on three change orders for the Columbia addition, changes to the district's partnership contract with Kings Island, and the planned disposal of two older school buses.

Change orders and contingency
Assistant Superintendent for Construction (Lucky) described three approved change orders for the Columbia project: a chemical brick wash for the exterior courtyard, replacement of piping insulation in the chiller yard to protect cooling efficiency, and replacing courtyard seed/straw with washed creek rock for lower maintenance. Lucky said those change orders are being paid from project contingency and would not increase the total contract price because contingency remains. \"After these 3 change orders, we still have remaining in our contingency of our pot of money, $46,000,\" he said, and added there are about $51,000 of CMR contingency dollars still allocated.

Kings Island agreement
Staff also described revised language in the district's agreement with Kings Island under new park leadership. Lucky said the contract edits clarify buffer and permitting language and will allow the district to prioritize funds for student-related uses rather than permit barriers.

Transportation and fleet
The district plans to retire buses 60 and 61 because replacement engines are not cost-effective. Transportation staff said route consolidation over recent years reduced routes from about 55 to 43, enabling the district to remove older vehicles without a one-for-one replacement. On disposal, staff said some retired buses go to salvage buyers who pay more than scrap; one recent sale earned about $500 and salvage buyers sometimes reuse vehicles for events.

Board action
Discussion items were presented by the assistant superintendents and then bundled in a motion to approve the assistant superintendent HR discussion items earlier in the meeting; the motion was made and seconded and recorded as approved by roll call (members indicated \"Yes\" in succession). The construction change orders and other facilities items were presented as part of those discussion items and are on the board agenda for formal approval.

Ending
Staff estimated the Columbia project remains on track for an October occupancy window, and administrators said they will continue to report progress and contingency usage to the board as work finishes.","Board members heard three Columbia change orders and an update on the Kings Island partnership and fleet reductions; staff said contingency funds remain and two aging buses will be removed rather than re-engined.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6141068,"Kings board previews Nov. ballot: 1% earned income tax paired with property-tax reduction",1104,74000,1178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af&start=74&end=1178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5576354-0627f4ff71cfe9a5b3e8d6212c67d3af/thumbnail_74000.jpg","/articles/6141068/Ohio/Kings-board-previews-Nov-ballot-1-earned-income-tax-paired-with-property-tax-reduction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6141068-d32ef7d270462d1f97e9ef63179ccdc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973651&Signature=XcULDPxU5EpXOVWdnyzpZ1pO3a-jRwrc8qH5mSuwnfCIeFpbpOXfGZMAJiOGnuptsk7T4YZ6S7qZpuUzD1NIPzrj8AkMe42Ty3qVe697zQLHvAx-vtYQoRkdhXrPEZw9qPSMAt0UN4rD2R4OpHMzL-6FYGK~Mz7txd2HUgXdLkf~IaPDpynIphnuoGvbwdNA7PVZusp-PHoC5ChgF-GLXgMRxrVmRNvBQt0Li76yql-dBvVnLUaRMcgZBNE-WqanfHp4lWCO5mTPdgBr7dkSrpTs1VnSvx5YhcOTs-TEE6i6Vw-qctilQ26XOt3AqOzY2rMcqh333ZOZspFWMc4Vxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Sears and Treasurer Morrow told the Kings Local School District Board of Education that the administration will place a combined 1% earned income tax with a property-tax reduction on the Nov. 4 ballot to create a steadier revenue stream and reduce homeowners' property taxes.

The proposal pairs a new 1% earned income tax with a reduction of the district's 2022 operating levy collection rate from 6.4 mills to 5.4 mills. \"A vote on this issue is voting for or against the 1% earned income and the property tax reduction,\" Morrow said, adding that the ballot language is set by state officials.

Why it matters: District leaders said the change aims to reduce the frequency of operating levies and produce inflation-driven revenue growth that property levies do not provide. Treasurer Morrow told the board the district is \"projecting to have a negative cash balance in August 2027\" if revenue conditions continue, and administrators said the measure would fund day-to-day operations including salaries, benefits and student programs while offering property-tax relief to homeowners.

Details of the plan and fiscal context
- The district modeled two paths: continuing the traditional operating-levy approach (roughly a 6.9-mill levy recurring on a roughly three-year cycle in model scenarios) or adopting the combined earned-income/property-tax reduction plan intended to produce a more consistent revenue stream and fewer future levies.
- Administration reported it has cut or generated a little over $8 million in savings since the 2022 levy without major classroom impacts; officials warned that without new revenue the district could face substantial reductions up to the scale discussed in 2022.
- Morrow noted the district receives comparatively low state aid: \"We are the lowest in Warren County, and 91% of districts in Ohio receive more than we do,\" a function, he said, of the state's funding formula that assumes higher local property wealth.
- The ballot language will appear as a single issue; Morrow said the Secretary of State sets that language under the Ohio Revised Code and the district cannot alter the wording.

Cash-balance policy and future reductions
Administrators also proposed a board cash-balance policy that would require an annual property-tax review and automatic reductions if specified thresholds are met. The draft policy uses a 35% cash-balance threshold, which staff described as lower than a previously proposed 40% threshold discussed at the state level. The district said the policy would be revisited in future board legislation and could enable additional property-tax relief if cash projections allow.

Facilities funding and long-range planning
Superintendent Sears and staff said the plan is for operational revenue only and does not require new bond money for facilities. The district is building a new high school and a Columbia addition under the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) ELP program; administrators said credits earned by building to OFCC standards could return roughly 26% of eligible construction costs, producing multi-million-dollar facility reimbursements the district intends to use for facility needs.

Uncertainties and next steps
Board members asked for comparisons to nearby districts that have enacted earned-income taxes, and staff said they will provide examples and follow-up data, including gross enrollment figures after the school-year start. Officials said the district will publish FAQs and presentation materials on the district website and host community forums in the run-up to the election. No formal board vote on the ballot issue or the cash-balance policy was recorded at the meeting.

Ending
District leaders said the combined measure is intended to create longer-term revenue sustainability while lowering property taxes for homeowners; they urged the community to review the district's FAQ and to attend upcoming forums for additional details.","Superintendent Sears and Treasurer Morrow presented a plan to place a combined 1% earned income tax and a property-tax reduction on the Nov. 4 ballot, aiming to reduce homeowner property taxes while stabilizing district operating revenue and avoiding near-term large cuts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Treasurer reports benefits changes: vendor switch, health and dental renewals; routine investment reporting

Board adopts updated handbooks, personal-device policy; district rolls out AI guidelines and student-access tool

Columbia addition change orders, Kings Island agreement and bus disposals discussed; contingency funds remain

Kings board previews Nov. ballot: 1% earned income tax paired with property-tax reduction