February 20, 2018

Dear families,

As we continue to think about the schools and families affected by the tragedies in Parkland, Fla. and in Marshall County, we most certainly understand that these events can cause anxiety among our students, parents and staff members.  

First and foremost I want you to know that the safety of our students and staff is a priority in Covington Independent Public Schools.  During the school day, all exterior doors are locked. Access to our schools is granted through a controlled entry point. Visitors entering the schools must show identification – which allows us to know who is in our buildings. In addition, the district has invested thousands of dollars in exterior lock systems and camera systems. Annual drills are required by statute at all schools.  

Further, nearly every employee in Covington has had training that provides options based on strategic methods against an active shooter. Ken Kippenbrock, who oversees safety and security in our schools, teams up with a professor of criminal justice at Northern Kentucky University to provide this training.  Each Covington school has an emergency plan, which has been reviewed by local first responders. The district also hosts regular meetings between Covington Police, Kenton County Sheriff and Holmes Middle and High School administrators.

In regards to threats, once employees become aware of an incident, they report the information to an administrator. The administrator contacts Mr. Kippenbrock, who coordinates responses with law enforcement. Mr. Kippenbrock is a former Covington Police Officer and Kenton County Sheriff’s Deputy who is more than qualified to coordinate these efforts.

In the event of a tragedy, our school counselors and psychologists are available to provide support to students, staff and parents. Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Janice Wilkerson, oversees the support team, which has specific training in this area. If your child has behavior that concerns you, please reach out to us.

Please know that we are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all our students in Covington Independent Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Alvin Garrison, Superintendent