New Position Will Connect LCSD Students With Essential Support

As Loveland students return to the classroom, there is a new resource in place to connect at-risk students with the support and services needed for success at school. In January, Loveland City School District added a new position of Resource Coordinator to provide one point of contact across the entire school district for a myriad of support services, including food, clothing, supplies, mental health/counseling service, shelter, transportation and other school or home needs. Anyone can request support services – parents, students, teachers, school staff, neighbors – basically anyone who experiences or observes an obstacle to a student’s education.

“I consider myself a problem solver,” says new Resource Coordinator Tabby Stinnett. “My objective is to remove barriers and make sure when kids come to school they are ready to learn because their basic needs are being met,” continued Stinnett. The advantage of having one central point of contact, she points out, is having a bird’s eye view of families who might have multiple students across several schools. Rather than staff at each individual school stepping in to help, Stinnett is able to provide global assistance as a single point of contact – both for families and the many community organizations and members who want to help.

LCSD Resource Coordinator Tabby Stinnett

Support comes in many forms: referral to outside organizations, such as social services, tutoring, food pantries, local shelters or churches. It can be information on mental health services and insurance coverage. Or it can be as simple as sending home laundry or personal care supplies. Donated gift cards help bridge the gap for food, gas and other essentials. And as Resource Coordinator, Stinnett is in a unique position to identify the greatest needs and best sources for help.

LCSD Superintendent Mike Broadwater was instrumental in bringing this new resource to the district, and reflects on the incentive for doing so. “There are more families in need in the Loveland area than people might realize, and generosity is a huge part of the Loveland culture. Our staff and community always step up in amazing ways to help our students, but each building was doing its own thing,” said Broadwater. “Having a Resource Coordinator lets us work together as one district to surround families with the help they need without overwhelming them.”

LCSD Superintendent Mike Broadwater

Stinnett is a Loveland graduate and has been with the Loveland School District since 2023, working as a health aide in the school clinic. Her past professional experience in social work, as well as her knowledge of the Loveland schools and community, make her uniquely qualified for the Resource Coordinator position.

“Tabby has been terrific,” stated Superintendent Broadwater. “We really envisioned the Resource Coordinator role with her in mind, because she already had strong relationships in place and had the background to really make the most of this position,” he stated. “The reality has surpassed our expectations.”

Stinnett describes herself and her position as a “voice for Loveland students in the community,” but she is also a vital bridge between students and resources, with benefits to both sides. “When students have a need, it’s my job to find the solution in the community. When an organization or individuals in the community want to help students or a family, my job is to find who most needs that donation or resource, and where it will do the most good.”

The Resource Coordinator position is made possible by a grant from the Clermont County Education Service Center, which pays for part of the cost. “We really appreciate Clermont County ESC Superintendent Jeff Weir, who went above and beyond to make this happen for our students and families,” stated LCSD Superintendent Mike Broadwater. Funding is in place through this school year and district leadership hopes to renew the grant to continue the position moving forward.