Correction: The original version of this article stated that Amani Smith was a student in one of Gilvin’s classes. This was not accurate, and the relevant line has been removed. We apologize for any confusion this caused–LINK nky editorial, March 12, 2024.
Morgan Gilvin, former Holmes High School teacher and varsity women’s soccer coach, sued the Covington Independent Public Schools Board of Education Monday, claiming the board and district leadership failed to act to prevent the shooting of a student, Amani Smith, who was killed in January. Moreover, it alleges this contributed to an overall unsafe working environment throughout the district.
In a petition submitted to the Kenton County Circuit Court on Monday, Gilvin contends to have witnessed conflicts that contextualized and eventually culminated in Smith’s death. The suit further alleges that Gilvin reported the conflict to Holmes leadership twice, but threat assessments were not performed. All of these things served to undermine Gilvin’s mental health and sense of safety, she argues.
The court petition alleges that Gilvin was forced to resign on Feb. 23, exactly a month after Amani’s death.
“No threat assessments were conducted in this matter despite numerous reports and reservations raised by the Plaintiff to the Leadership Committee of Holmes High School,” the court petition states.
“As a result of zero threat assessments being conducted a child being smacked across the face (which Plaintiff predicted would happen because of lack of leadership and concern) occurred and the second zero threat assessment resulted in a murder,” the suit also alleges.
Gilvin is suing for damages and is requesting a jury trial. Court dates have not been set.
LINK nky has reached out to Gilvin for comment.
The district declined to comment, saying it did not comment on pending litigation. The Covington Board of Education also declined to comment at this time.
This is a developing story, and LINK nky will update it with more information at it becomes available.