Friday, March 31, 2000
School board approves consultants
Covington panel debates action
BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Three new consultant positions to coordinate instruction in Covington Schools were approved by the Board of Education Thursday as part of a reorganization of the school district.
The positions will focus on curriculum, instruction and reading programs.
The board approved the move in a 3-1 vote after a heated debate about the jobs' salaries, their descriptions and rumors that the slots have been promised to employees already on staff.
Superintendent James Kemp said openings for the three positions will occur through attrition and will not mean an increase in expenditures.
“Everything everyone ever needed is here, but it's not coordinated,” Mr. Kemp said. “All of the programs tend to work against each other.”
As the district prepares to undergo a scholastic review and a management audit, board member Col Owens questioned the timing of adding the consultant posts.
Mr. Kemp said the jobs are recommended by the state.
The district has faced public scru tiny since a state Education Department report released last week pointed out problems with the schools' teaching and overall organization. The report also recommended remedies.
Member Joe Meyer said he wanted the state to review the job descriptions. He voted no.
“The street talk is that these jobs are already promised to people,” Mr. Meyer said. “It's extremely important to me that we follow the rules, notify the state and advertise for these jobs.”
Mr. Kemp said he did not know of promises made to any employee for any job.
The district also approved the creation of titles of “division director” and $6,000 raises for several employees who will be given new responsibilities.
The board initially approved the reorganization model in December. The items presented by Mr. Kemp on Thursday are parts of that plan. Yet there was much questioning and discussion of the new positions and salary schedules.
Chairman Hensley Jemmott reminded board members of their jobs.
“We hired someone to run the system,” Mr. Jemmott said. “We have a responsibility to support the superintendent. We are going to move ahead. These items are essential to this district.”
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