Wednesday, March 29, 2000
Covington leaders seek college funds
BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — A group of Tristate community and business leaders are wrapping arms of support around the beleaguered Covington School District by endorsing a year-old foundation for college scholarships.
The Covington Educational Foundation is trying to raise $100,000 annually to help Covington high schoolers afford college. But the state's recent Education Department report criticizing the district's educational priorities and teaching methods has made that effort harder.
Foundation Director Diane Brumback solicits donations from alumni, individuals and corporations. She said donations were starting to trickle in but since the state report, some would-be donors have said they are
re-thinking their pledges. She would not provide exact figures for the amounts in danger or provide details.
“Some of our children in Covington have full plates and dine on rich menus of services and support,” Ms. Brumback said.
“Others are crying out for more. Merely demanding higher standards without taking immediate action will solve nothing.”
Some of the foundation's 60 or so volunteers say they hope to raise $100,000 for college scholarships. They also have embarked on a campaign to increase the number of volunteers working in Covington's more needy schools.
“Hopefully we can send a message that this entire community supports these schools,” said Chuck Eilerman, a Covington resident and ReMax Realty executive.
The foundation's board includes the likes of University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins, Huntington Bank regional president Mer Grayson, and Kenton County Judge-executive Dick Murgatroyd. There are also city officials, Neighborhood Watch leaders, and university deans among the membership.
Tom Steidel, Covington's assistant city manager, said fixing the schools is critical to the city's future.
“If and when these children become college age, I do feel that it's incumbent on all of us to find a way to get them there,” Mr. Steidel said.
Only 17 percent of Covington's graduates pursue higher education. The state average is 50 percent. Students and their families say the most common barrier is money.
Tony Atwater, dean of Professional Studies at Northern Kentucky University, said that communities should not turn their backs on troubled pub lic schools.
“All too often urban schools get short shrift, and in some cases there are those who feel they don't deserve the support they should have,” Mr. Atwater said.
“We are talking about lives here.”
The state's report, written by Community Relations Director Robyn Oatley, faults the district for creating a system of “haves and have nots” among students, putting more focus on advanced learners while leaving slower learners underserved. She said the problem is perpetuated by years of inconsistent leadership.
Ms. Brumback said foundation members know their task won't be easy.
“We have the chance to impact lives,” Ms. Brumback said. “The scales need to be tipped just a little bit in favor of children.”
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