BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- As the result of recent asbestos contamination at Latonia Elementary School, district officials have broadened their definition of crises and improved communications between parents and staff. "Many schools administrators think about crises in terms of something violent. Most notably, we think about shootings, or we may think about a natural disaster, a tornado, or a gas explosion," Covington Superintendent James Kemp said Thursday.
"But we need to broaden our awareness and the definition so that we can take into account situations such as environmental threats."
Students returned for classes at Latonia Elementary on Wednesday, three weeks after the school was closed because of asbestos contamination. Students were bused to Northern Kentucky University's Covington campus while Latonia Elementary was cleaned of asbestos dust, dislodged during a construction project in late September to install Internet wiring at the school.
Air samples turned up asbestos-free on Friday.
Mr. Kemp said outside expertise is important during school crises.
"We all need to realize that a school's staff can't be expert in all crucial areas. As a result of this, we've learned that you have to work with regulators. You have to see them as partners who can help resolve issues and keep open a dialogue."
The school board is expected to look at a plan that would allow students to make up the five missed days -- 30 hours of school. If approved by the board, and ultimately by state officials, the district could make some school days, mainly Fridays, longer to make up for the time.
Some good has come from the "hectic and trying" ordeal, Mr. Kemp said.
"Crises can inspire some more dynamic teaching, and we found this to the case almost immediately. The asbestos dilemma at Latonia Elementary led to innovative steps and really showed the depth and creativity of our staff. Put simply, a crisis doesn't allow things to be stale and stagnant."
He added, "Hopefully these lessons learned will benefit other school districts and businesses as they face similar situations," he said.
School officials also learned the importance of working cooperatively with the media during such times, Mr. Kemp said. Daily briefings were held to improve communications.
Mr. Kemp declined to comment on a pending lawsuit by parents seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages.
