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Youth council cites lockdowns and weapon incidents at Kent-area schools; council seeks better communication during events
Summary
Youth council members described recent lockdowns, an incident after a Kent Ridge basketball game where a shot was fired into the air, and repeated reports that weapons have been brought to campus. Students asked for clearer, more frequent communication during lockdowns and better follow-up after incidents.
Youth council members told Covington city leaders they have experienced multiple lockdowns at area high schools and raised concerns about communication and safety. Students described a recent incident after a Kent Ridge basketball game when someone fired a shot into the air and said weapons have appeared on campus on multiple occasions.
Students said lockdown announcements are often vague and that parents and students receive little real-time information while they are asked to shelter in place. Several students asked for more frequent messages to parents and students during an event so families know whether the situation is contained and how long the disruption will last. One council speaker said the district’s practice of limiting detail during active incidents adds to student and parent stress.
City leaders acknowledged the need to hear the police perspective before proposing specific policy changes. Council members said they would relay students’ concerns to the school board and noted that, in a past incident at Kent Lake, responding agencies from multiple jurisdictions attended and the city’s account was that the weapon was off-campus and not loaded. City staff and councilors recommended more coordination among schools, law enforcement and parents to improve messaging during critical incidents.
