BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- Parents of 4th District Elementary students said Saturday they feel mistreated because of the way Covington School Board members decided to close their community school.
A group of 20 parents and 15 children from the school spent two hours on the building's front steps Saturday to discuss their feelings and what they can do to change the school board's plans.
"If we don't fight this, they're going to do it," said Michelle Walker, who has children in kindergarten, second- and fifth-grade classes at the school. "We need to tell them that this isn't just a 4th District issue. It's a Covington issue."
Parents found out Tuesdaythat the school board wants to close the school and send its 370 students to three other elementary schools. Parents were notified by a handwritten, photocopied note sent home with each child.
Tuesday night, school officials met with parents at the school. Superintendent James Kemp and school board members told parents that an internal study of the district's classroom space, needs and programs determined that Covington schools did not need seven elementary buildings. The district also needs a place to house alternative education programs for students who need extra help. The 4th District building would meet that need.
The district plans to send 4th District students to 1st District, 6th District and Glenn O. Swing elementary schools.
The redistricting also poses transportation issues that parents don't like. Ms. Walker's children, who live one block from 4th District, would have to walk nine blocks to the 1st District school.
Other students, like the first- and second-grade children of Gordon Smyth, will have to walk from their home across the street from 4th District, across the 19th Street Bridge and a few more blocks to Glenn O. Swing.
"I don't even let my children play outside on the street or walk to this school alone, and now they're going to have to walk even farther," Diedre Boles said. The school board "doesn't care about us. This is a selfish thing."
Board member William Fitzgerald said the board has to consider financial issues to decide how to run the district best. But he also said he is concerned about the distance some students would have to commute.
"I won't favor the proposal if certain safety issues are not addressed," said Mr. Fitzgerald, a 4th District graduate whose son also attended the school. "I want to see added crossing guards and increased bus service."
The school board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday to talk with parents about the proposed closure. Mr. Fitzgerald said the issue is not a done deal until the school board meets with parents and city officials. Saturday, parents prepared questions they want answered: What will class sizes be in the new schools their children attend? How much will this change cost? How can the board ensure the safety of their children as they walk to and from their new school?
Friday, parents filed a handwritten injunction in Kenton Circuit Court to stop the school board from closing the school. Judge Patricia Summe advised them on ways to make their motion stronger, and parents said they will file an amendment Monday. Mayor Denny Bowman joined the discussions by sending a letter to Mr. Kemp and school board members that asked them to meet with city officials to talk about ways to save the school.
Mr. Fitzgerald said he is heartened by the strong parent participation on this issue.
"This is what we need more of in all Covington schools," Mr. Fitzgerald said. "But it's a shame that something like this has to happen to bring people together."
Ms. Boles said the school board will be hearing more and more from 4th District parents.
"They stereotyped us into a group of poor, alcohol and drug addicts, but they found out the opposite," Ms. Boles said. "They found out that we love our children and we care about their education and we're going to fight for our school."
