He is still waiting to receive his 1999 review. Some board members say they want to see stronger leadership and follow-through from Mr. Kemp. Board member Jim Vogt said while board members must take some leadership responsibility, the majority falls to the superintendent. We're not judged on what we're going to do, but on what actually happens. He mentions others in the works, including an overhaul of Holmes Junior High.
State law requires school boards to conduct annual reviews of their superintendents.
Mr. Kemp received a 4.2 out of 5 in 1997 and a 4.5 out of 5 in 1998. The board approved an extension of Mr. Kemp's contract in December 1999, keeping him here through June 30, 2001. Diana Taliaferro, former board chairwoman, said Mr. Kemp was the best choice for running the 4,800-student district. Mr. Kemp came to Covington from the superintendent's job at Stuttgart, Ark., Public Schools. He has a doctorate in philosophy, a master of arts and a bachelor of science, all from Florida State University.