Friday, April 14, 2000
Teacher turnover climbing
Covington district battles loss of teachers
BY Andrea Tortora
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — The number of teachers leaving the troubled Covington School District has grown over the past three years, statistics reveal.
This year, 92 teachers either resigned, retired or did not have their contracts renewed. That is more than during the previous year, when the district lost 62 teachers, and the year be fore, when it lost 55.
School board members and Covington schools staff say the turnover affects morale and the schools' ability to provide a quality education. The district is facing a state audit to investigate a trend of poor student scores on state academic tests.
Some teachers who left the system said Thursday they moved to other districts for better pay or for a more amenable work environment. The teachers, who declined to be identified, would not elaborate.
Superintendent James Kemp says Covington is losing teachers to other districts, which — just before the school year — recruit from Covington's teaching staff. Teachers often switch jobs before the start of a new school year, when they are legally allowed to bail out of a contract.
Covington traditionally started school in early September, after most other Northern Kentucky school districts. This past year, teachers reported to work Aug. 19.
“We started earlier this year to stop the late-season thievery,” Mr. Kemp said.
Covington's starting salary for teachers with no experience was increased this past year to $25,000 from $22,500. By comparison, Boone County schools pay their starting teachers $25,400.
The changes didn't help matters for Covington during the current school year. Of the 92 teachers who left the district, 59 resigned, 14 retired, 18 were not renewed and one died.
“The turnover and the morale is an extremely serious problem for the district,” said school board member Joe Meyer.
Board member Jim Vogt said he realizes that the district has prob lems, among them morale.
“We need to look at ways to improve the morale of teachers, and if the Department of Education can help, I would welcome that also,” he said.
Class size may also be a factor. There are 325 teachers in the district, which should translate to 15 students for each teacher. But a recent state evaluation found many classrooms with more than 20 students.
Robyn Oatley, Education Department community relations director, said the school system needs to put as many staff members as it can in the classroom, working directly with students.
“We know from research that smaller classes mean better learning,” Ms. Oatley said. “Maybe the district needs to reallocate resources.”
A school district and community committee created to study teacher recruitment recommends even more salary increases for teachers and a survey of the staff to identify problems and concerns.
The committee, led by Crickette Todd, Covington's professional development director, also recommends:
ãPaying part of a student teacher's tuition if the teacher agrees to teach in the district.
ãHiring retired teachers as substitutes in the shortage areas of math, science, special education and foreign languages.
ãCreating a tuition assistance program for teachers who continue their education.
Mr. Vogt said the district must help teachers continue their educations and feel welcome and appreciated in the district.
“We need to build a sense of team and ownership in the schools for them to work,” he said.
Mammoth find slows sewer plant
Teacher program praised as model
Louisville remains upset as Cincinnati calms down
Park opens; coaster doesn't
Bill would open organ donor database
Bishop to consider cathedral changes
Commissioners may reopen pilings debate
Ex-police officer sentenced to 8 years for drug offenses
Grandparents get advice and encouragement
Indians seek own holiday
Charters taking publicity in stride
Estate battle near end: Charities must pay tax
Patton, McConnell keep silent on call tax
Report criticizes costs of sprawl
Stars join movie to be made here
Fence rules encourage homeowners to be good neighbors
What makes people want a fence?
'At Home' most at home here
GET TO IT
Kids can learn from a pet's death
Playhouse commissions kids plays
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Single mom embraces grandmotherhood
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
Cleves seeks new council member
Feline to lead cleanup
Grand jury to get fatal shooting case
Hamilton opens traffic division
Hamilton politician won't seek re-election
Historical groups build future
Jail pulls plug on phones
Jets' noise to be gauged
Latest deadline for finding Kenton County jail site: July 1
Man faces rape charges
Schools want critic's input
Teacher turnover climbing
