'We don't want to cause panic.' Covington School Board considers consolidating schools
Covington Independent Public Schools could start the 2023-24 school year with four elementary schools instead of five.
The school board is considering closing Ninth District Elementary School, which would save the district close to $1 million in annual expenses. If this happens, Ninth District and Latonia families would be most impacted by the change, though other students might be shifted to new schools, too.
During Thursday evening's regularly scheduled school board meeting, district leaders said consolidation is possible without increasing class sizes or getting rid of any staff, because Covington's existing elementary buildings have enough space to accommodate extra classes.
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Covington is one of the largest independent school districts in Kentucky, serving about 3,500 students in Kenton County.
On Thursday the school board saw a presentation from Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations Ken Kippenbrock, a representative from the district's administrative cabinet, about the benefits of consolidating to four elementary schools. It is Superintendent Alvin Garrison and the cabinet's recommendation, Kippenbrock said, though the final decision is up to the board of education.
The school board did not make a decision during Thursday's meeting.
"We don't want to cause panic by saying, you know, we're going to have a conversation about closing a school," Board President Tom Haggard said Thursday. "But we can't make these decisions without having all the stakeholders at the table."
The board said it would like to hear from more of the community before moving forward.
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Why Ninth District Elementary?
Kippenbrock said the school board might entertain closing other elementary buildings instead of Ninth District. But because of the renovation needs at Ninth District, and the school being landlocked with little availability for future expansion, the administration believes Ninth District is the most logical choice for closure.
Ninth District is in need of new windows, an upgraded parking lot, electrical system and bathrooms, asbestos removal and ceiling and flooring replacements. Some of these improvements could cost up to $3 million, Kippenbrock said. Latonia is also in need of several improvements that could cost up to $8.5 million.
According to Kippenbrock's presentation, which is available on the district's website, consolidating elementary schools would save the district an estimated $961,000 in annual expenses, such as salaries, in 2024. The district would also save money in building costs, parking lot costs, utility costs and transportation.
"We know that our budget is requiring these savings that we would see in this" consolidation plan, board member Stephen Gastright said during Thursday's meeting. "If we don't close the school we have to realize those savings in another way."
Other options for lowing district costs, such as increasing taxes, are not "as fiscally sound" as closing Ninth District Elementary, Gastright said. The board just lowered its property tax rate by 17% in September.
Kippenbrock said the district would retain the Ninth District Elementary building if it closes, so if the district's enrollment grows in the future it would have the opportunity to reopen the school.
Glenda Huff, who has been on Covington's board for 23 years, said she has closed two schools during her tenure.
"The communities around those schools have done just fine. Is it sad to close a school? Yes, it is," Huff said during Thursday's meeting. "But they adjusted because our families are resilient. Our people and our communities are resilient."
The next Covington School Board meeting will take place on Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m., at 25 E. 7th Street in Covington.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington School Board considers consolidating elementary schools
