District overview
Walton-Verona Independent Schools
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How does Walton-Verona pay for a growing district?
Walton-Verona Independent Schools serves about 1,870 students in Walton and Verona in southern Boone County, Kentucky, from preschool through high school. A five-member elected board sets the property tax rate each August. The district gets state SEEK funding and keeps a restricted building fund that pays off construction bonds. Recent projects include a new intermediate school, a district office renovation, middle school windows, and 2026 upgrades to the elementary school and campus paving.
Tax rate held, more revenue
In August 2026 the board kept the general fund rate at 111.8 cents per $100, above the 108.0-cent compensating rate. That is expected to bring in about $524,573 more than the year before.
Bonds for the elementary project
In April 2026 the board approved revenue bonds of about $2.62 million for elementary school upgrades. Roughly $9.5 million in borrowing capacity would remain.
Personnel costs
Salaries and benefits are about 78% of the budget. The district aims to stay below 80%.
New leadership
Superintendent Dr. Baker retired in June 2026, and Dr. Dylan Smith took over after a KSBA-run search.
The working budget keeps a $1 million (4.5%) contingency. Nearly all votes were unanimous, and recent construction bids drew more than one bidder after years of single-bid projects.
Where the district stands
Major projects
Walton-Verona Elementary upgrades 2026
in_progressRoof, HVAC, electrical, LED lighting, sensor faucets and classroom technology in the 1970s section of the elementary school.
- Plans approved
- Contract awarded
- Bonds authorized
- Pay application 3
Funding
Revenue bonds paid from restricted building funds
Walton campus paving and bus lot
in_progressSeal coating and striping on the Walton campus, plus a larger bus lot with new lighting and a gated, fenced entry.
- Bid documents approved
- Contract awarded
- Change order and first payment
Funding
Building fund / bonds (estimate before bids)
Verona Middle School window replacement
in_progressWindow replacement done over school breaks by the only bidder after supply delays.
- Pay application 3; delays discussed
- About 65% complete
- Pay application 8
Funding
Building fund (total not stated in meetings)
Recent news
View the news feed →Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Built from YouTube recordings of the 13 regular Walton-Verona Board of Education meetings from October 2025 to October 2026, read through auto-generated captions, plus the Kenton County Clerk's 2026 general election ballot draw.
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