COVINGTON — Just months into a districtwide reform effort, Covington Independent Schools are making lots of changes based on advice from the state.

        But that advice may not be the best, say some candidates for the Covington school board.

        The seven candidates went head to head Thursday night in a debate at Holmes High School before more than 100 parents, students and community members.

        The conversation shifted from security to school taxes to parent involvement, but the evening centered around the improvement plans launched this summer in response to a harsh audit by the Kentucky Department of Education that criticized the district's instruction and management.

        Throughout the night, candidates disagreed over points made in the audit and whether the district was in such a need for improvement.
       

Critical of critics
        “I don't think the schools were as bad as the state said,” said retired firefighter Charles “Butch” Reed, call ing the audit unfair.

        Glenda Huff said the state was too critical, and she dis- agreed with much of the audit's recommendations.

        “I don't see how anyone can come in for three days and make decisions like that,” said Mrs. Huff, a sales consultant and mother of four.

        Incumbents Hensley Jemmott and Col Owens, however, said the audit pointed out problems that need to be addressed and gave the district a concrete plan to improve.

        Everett Dameron and Rita Wilson also said the audit would help the district be more successful, but Joe Boyle said the board should use the state's recommendations with caution.

        “I would not hold it to a Bible and go by it word for word,” Mr. Boyle said.
       

A troubled district
        One of the lowest-performing districts in Kentucky, Covington's schools have been in constant upheaval during the past year. Former Superintendent Jack Kemp (the third superintendent in seven years) stepped down, board members' bickering led some to walk out of meetings, and results from the state audit sent shock waves through the district.

        Thursday night, Chuck Eilerman, president of Friends of Covington, one of the debate's sponsors, even described the district as the Cincinnati Bengals of school systems.

        With seven candidates vying for three seats, the Covington election's wealth of candidates seems to be born out of a cry for change from parents to business leaders.
       

Q&A exchange
        “I pay $573 in school taxes, and I don't feel like I'm getting my money's worth,” Covington resident Minnie Lightfoot said.

        Candidates were asked pointed questions about the district's past performance and what their plans were to improve schools.

        Mr. Jemmott, who has been on the board for five years, said much of the district's recent problems stemmed from board members trying to micromanage district operations. However, Mr. Owens, a board member since 1993, lay the blame on poor leadership by the former superintendent.

        Charlie Schicht, president of the senior class at Holmes High, said students had lost faith in the administration, asking candidates how they would restore trust.

        Mrs. Huff and Mrs. Wilson, a retired Covington teacher, said board members need to be more visible in schools and get to know students. Mr. Owens, a lawyer and parent of two Covington graduates, said the board will better serve students by improving instruction and making courses more challenging.

        Audience members wanted to know if Covington schools should merge with Kenton County schools and why the district ignored parents' concerns. All candidates opposed a merger, and each said the district needs to work more at including parents.

        “No parent is powerless,” said Mr. Boyle, a water treatment plant operator and parent of two Covington graduates. “All you have to do is step forward.”

        When asked about whether the schools needed redistricting, Mr. Owens and Mrs. Huff called for a return to neighborhood schools and the reopening of Fourth District Elementary. Mr. Dameron, a developer, said schools need to be realigned because of crowding.

        But redistricting wouldn't be needed if all schools were equal, said Mr. Jemmott, a retired teacher and principal from New York.

        “If we have every one of our schools champion schools, there'd be no reason for redistricting,” he said.

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