Officials at five Northern Kentucky schools were surprised Thursday to find their facilities rated in “poor” condition on a state report.

        The schools ranked in the lowest of five categories on the Kentucky Department of Education's facility evaluation system.

Dixie Heights High School, one of 76 of Kentucky's 1,283 schools rated in poor condition, is still heated by steam radiators. A $14.3 million renovation is set to begin this summer at the school. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        At least two of the schools already have major improvements planned in the coming year.

        “The facilities certainly are safe,” said Rob Haney, director of support operations for Kenton County Schools.

        “We have continuous inspections by various outside entities as well as internally. But yes, they are dated.”

        Three Kenton County schools - Dixie Heights High School and Caywood Elementary in Fort Mitchell and Twenhofel Middle School in Independence - were among 76 of the state's 1,283 schools rated in poor condition.

        Silver Grove Independent Schools' elementary and high school, housed in the same building, and Howell Elementary in Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Schools also rated poor.

SCHOOL CONDITIONS

Five Northern Kentucky schools were ranked in poor condition, the lowest of five categories on the Kentucky Department of Education's facility evaluation:     • Kenton County Schools: Dixie Heights High School, James A. Caywood Elementary, Twenhofel Middle School.     • Silver Grove Independent Schools: Silver Grove high and elementary schools.     • Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Schools: Howell Elementary.     Twenty-eight Northern Kentucky schools were rated fair on the Kentucky Department of Education's facility evaluation:     • Beechwood Independent Schools: Beechwood Elementary.     • Boone County Schools: A.M. Yealey Elementary, Burlington Elementary.     • Campbell County Schools: Alexandria Elementary, Highland Heights Elementary, Jolly Elementary.     • Covington Independent Schools: Glenn O. Swing Elementary, Holmes High School, Holmes Junior High, Latonia Elementary, Ninth District Elementary.     • Dayton Independent Schools: Dayton High School.     • Fort Thomas Independent Schools: Highlands High School, Johnson Elementary, Moyer Elementary, Woodfill Elementary.     • Gallatin County Schools: Gallatin County Middle School.     • Kenton County Schools: Kenton Elementary, Simon Kenton High School, Turkey Foot Middle School.     • Ludlow Independent Schools: Ludlow High School.     • Newport Independent Schools: Fourth Street Elementary, Mildred Dean Elementary.     • Pendleton County Schools: Northern Elementary, Pendleton County High School, Southern Elementary.     • Williamstown Independent Schools: Williamstown Elementary, Williamstown High School.

        More than a quarter of the state's 1,283 schools were ranked in fair or poor condition, the two lowest categories. The report was presented Wednesday to the House's budget subcommittee on education.

        The state ranks each school every year on a scale of 1 to 5, from excellent to poor, to get a handle on needed improvements and their costs.

        The rankings generally correspond with the age of the buildings. In most cases, schools in poor condition are older than 35 years.

        Schools rated in poor condition have deteriorated and need extensive repairs. However, these schools are not necessarily dangerous for students. They meet fire safety regulations but are below most modern building codes, state officials said.

        Dixie Heights was built in 1937. There have been several additions, with the most recent in 1980.

        However, a $14.3 million renovation is set to begin this summer at the school. The project includes a new cafeteria, library, heating and cooling systems and more classrooms.

        “I'd say within three years, this is going to be a state-of-the-art facility,” Assistant Principal Anthony Strong said.

        District officials were surprised that Dixie Heights received a poor rating, while Simon Kenton High School in Independence was listed as fair.

        Both schools were built the same year and have received similar additions. The needed improvements are nearly identical, as Simon Kenton prepares to launch a $20.7 million renovation this summer as well, Mr. Haney said.

        And Twenhofel's needs are closely aligned with those at Turkey Foot Middle School in Fort Mitchell, which was listed as fair. Twenhofel was built in 1961, while Turkey Foot was built in 1962. Both got additions in 1967.

        Caywood was built in 1955 and last renovated in 1969. Among the school's needed repairs are new windows and new heating and air conditioning systems, Mr. Haney said.

        After the two high school renovations are complete, Twenhofel and Turkey Foot are expected to be next, Mr. Haney said.

        But the district is making improvements at most of its schools as needed, Mr. Haney said.

        “We're not going to wait until we can do a top-down renovation to do anything at these facilities,” he said. “With 20 schools, you need to do something every year.”

        Silver Grove Superintendent Bill Brown was also baffled to find his school listed as being in poor condition.

        The elementary school was built in 1959, with an addition in 1960. The high school was added on in 1980.

        Within the past year, the school has installed new restrooms and floors. Next year, renovations are planned for the elementary school, including new windows, roof and heating and cooling systems, Mr. Brown said.

        “We take real pride in how well we take care of this school,” he said. “There's been an incredible amount of upgrades.”
       

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