MEDIA REQUESTS
To help facilitate media requests, all media inquiries must be directed through the Director of Communications who will act as the official liaison and primary contact for media and spokesperson for Covington schools. This includes requests for interviews with all staff, administrators, teachers or students; or for information on District/school policies and procedures.
Covington Independent Public Schools recognizes the responsibility of the news media to provide accurate and timely information to the community concerning issues and events that occur in our schools. While we are committed to cooperating with the news media request for access to our schools and students, we are also obligated to protect the privacy of students and employees.
The Director of Communications will work closely with principals in regards to media requests relating to schools.
OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS
Pursuant to Board policy and the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 – 61.884, public records of the Covington Board of Education not exempted by law are open for inspection by the public upon receipt of a written request.
To make an Open Records Request
Please submit all requests in writing through one of the methods outlined below. Requests are not accepted by phone.
- In person:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 4 pm.
Covington Board of Education
25 E. Seventh Street
Covington, KY 41011
- Mail:
Superintendent of Covington Independent Public Schools
25 E .Seventh Street
Covington, Ky 41011
- Email: debra.vance@covington.kyschools.us
Responses
Within three (3) business days after the receipt of a written request, the district will notify applicants by email or mail of the availability of the records requested or of any reason why the records are not available for inspection. Individuals may inspect nonexempt records during regular administrative office hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or may request paper copies.
Costs
Covington charges for all physical media used to provide records. The cost for paper copies is $0.10 per page. For non-written records such as photographs, discs, etc., a fee equal to the actual cost of producing a copy shall be charged. If an individual requests that copies of the records be mailed, the official custodian will mail the copies upon receipt of all copying fees and the cost of mailing.
Question
For questions regarding access to public records, contact the district’s Communications Director
Tel: (859) 392-3180
Email: debra.vance@covington.kyschools.us
MEDIA CONTACT
Debra Vance
Director of Communications
859-392-3180 office
859-750-4284 cell
859-866-3459 cell
debra.vance@covington.kyschools.us
MEDIA ACCESS TO SCHOOLS
In order to protect the privacy of the students and staff, media representatives (journalists, photographers, videographers) are not permitted on school grounds to interview, photograph or videotape without prior approval. To facilitate media relations efforts, the media are requested to contact Covington schools’ Director of Communications in advance of any school visit (unless prior consent has been granted or requested by the school). Example: District athletic events.
At her discretion, the Director of Communications in cooperation with the school/district administrators may grant media access and arrange interviews with staff and/or students. Interviews will not be conducted during school hours or on school property without the approval and presence of a school/district administrator or designee.
STUDENTS IN THE MEDIA
Before any minor is photographed, videotaped or interviewed by the media, consent must be verified by his/her legal guardian. If parents/guardians do not wish their children to be contacted by media, they must sign documentation stating so. If documentation has not been provided by the guardian – appropriate consent has been provided.