When schools put the needs of students first, establish high expectations and create a positive school culture, they will triumph in achievement.

I have been modeling that message since I began my educational career as a history teacher in 1995 at North Hardin High School in Radcliff. When I started my journey as Covington’s superintendent in 2013, I began discussing priorities for the district - creating a positive, collaborative culture, establishing a culture of continuous improvement and setting high expectations for all.

We have witnessed some successes as we have implemented components of our goals, initiatives and priorities. The district now has a districtwide curriculum.  Our Professional Learning Communities are now the norm. We have a Vision for Equity, a new Strategic Plan and we have defined the skills and attributes that students should possess in our Portrait of a Graduate. In addition, we have upgraded our buildings and facilities. In 2022, Covington received the best accreditation report in the history of the district. Cognia said that the district has the systems in place around leadership, learning, and resources – so much so that the district is poised for success if we keep focusing on what we are doing.
 
However, we all know that for our students to get the education they deserve, it takes all of us working together – from transportation to nutrition services, to instructional assistants to coaches, teachers and administrators. Fortunately, we are blessed with some of the most dedicated employees who only want the best for our students. I know we will be successful. I believe in the students and staff of Covington Independent Public Schools.

As superintendent of Kentucky’s second-largest independent school district–with more than 3,300 students and nearly 800 employees–Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Alvin Garrison is committed to the district’s motto of guiding students to dream…achieve…succeed.

Garrison wants to lead by example, as he knows firsthand how a quality education can transform a person’s life. He was born in Louisville and nine years later, moved to Elizabethtown, where his mother and grandmother raised him. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Western Kentucky University.

In his tenure as an educator, Garrison has served as coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. He was the assistant principal and principal of Radcliff Middle School before taking the position of principal of North Hardin High School, where he led the school to become one of the top-performing academic institutions in the state.

In 2013, Garrison became Superintendent of Covington Independent Public Schools - the fourth African American Superintendent in the Commonwealth. He is active in the community and serves on the board of several organizations. Garrison also serves as president of the Northern Kentucky Education Cooperative Services. He has received numerous awards including the Radcliff Optimist Club’s Achievement in Education Award, the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Education Award and the NAACP Judge Larry Smith Humanitarian Award.

Garrison has dedicated his life to working with and for children. He believes his journey will be complete when all students receive the education they deserve.

Garrison is married to his loving wife, Shannon.