Friday, April 21, 2000
Covington schools advised on improving
BY Kristina Goetz
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Parents and Covington school board members heard details Thursday about the pending instruction and operation audit of the school system that will start May 1.
Gene Wilhoit, deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education, outlined the challenges the district will face in the next 10 years to raise the level of student achievement.
“It will not be incremental change but rather dramatic change to get to that goal,” he said.
He gave board members a packet that showed how schools in the Covington Independent School District compared to overall state levels.
Audits were requested last month by the Covington Board of Education after the release of a state report by Robyn Oatley, Education Department community relations director, that was critical of Covington schools.
Parents and board members had hoped to hear more from Ms. Oatley about her report that was written Feb. 7 after short visits to Covington schools. But Mr. Wilhoit said he wanted to lay the groundwork for the audits before any report was given to the board.
Ms. Oatley's report identified several areas that need improvement in Covington schools. Her findings fault the district for creating a system of “haves and have nots” perpetuated by years of inconsistent leadership and a tendency to put more focus on advanced learners while leaving slower learners behind.
The language of the report struck a chord with many at the meeting. Several discussed the problems with what they say was its premature release.
“Everybody that I've talked to or heard about has walked away feeling bad,” said board member Col Ow ens. “It's done a world of harm.”
Board members reassured parents and other audience members that they would get information from the audit “in due time” but that the chain of disclosure will be tightly guarded.
Glenda Huff, who has children in the Covington school system, said she was glad to see the state step in and help and that parents and teachers would keep putting pressure on the board to release information.
“The community is going to put so much pressure on them they're not going to have any choice,” she said.
85 steps to spiritual well-being
Speedway seeks divorce from town
Charities object to rules on privacy
Poll finds support for stricter stance on guns
6 indicted in gun store break-ins
Berenstains aim anti-gun message to kids
Solving old cases causes shock, relief
Officer apologizes to Madisonville group
African-American health group sets up
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
School mourns teachers' deaths
'Son of Beast' to open April 28
Storm fells trees, power lines
GET TO IT
Rabbit Hash couple lead no-fear lives
Two former locals in NBC pilot
Butler Co. bus system expanding
Covington schools advised on improving
Deerfield employees petition to unionize
Driver had seizure in bank crash
Hamilton may ease rules on residency
Independence mayor fires police chief
Job as principal now in jeopardy
Lockland to redevelop paper mill site
Lucas seeks 2nd term
Norwood promotes policeman to chief
Powell named to judge's post
Silver Grove has ceremony for Columbine
Ten Commandments debate moves to court
Tennessee man may be $80M Powerball winner
TRISTATE DIGEST
Woman is link in kidnap of man
