Robert Storer
The Walton-Verona Independent school district is comprised of three schools and a preschool program with approximately 1,600 students between the three schools.
The district employs fully-certified teachers and administrators and is additionally staffed with qualified professionals including transportation, food service and custodial staff. All of the schools have been accredited by AdvancED since 1976.
Walton-Verona Independent enjoys the status of being one of highest-performing districts – a District of Distinction – in Kentucky and is the only district to achieve this status three school years in a row (2012-2014). All schools in the district are Schools of Distinction and are engaged in numerous service learning projects annually.
Among the things the district is most proud of is the establishment of all-day kindergarten; the renovation of the district’s music suite and physical education wing, which is used by students at both Walton-Verona High School and Walton-Verona Middle School; and the district’s service learning projects, particularly Wake Up Walton and Verona.
The district launched all-day kindergarten in 2014 and it appears to be a success, though it will be several years before complete supporting data is available. Due to the popularity of the program, it was necessary to add an additional section for the 2015-16 school year.
In the 2014-15 school year, the district completely renovated its music suite and created a new band room, choral suite and a general music suite. Also, the gymnasium was gutted and redesigned and new locker rooms were added. A state-of-the-art fitness center, also designed for community use, and a training room were included.
In addition, a multi-purpose room was added to support dance and provide a meeting venue for the community.
Service learning is a priority in the district. Last spring, more than 300 volunteers – including members of the community, district staff and students – landscaped, mulched and planted flowers for 60 homes. This service is free of charge; residents need only to be senior citizens and live in the district. This initiative is co-led by a student and a teacher and Walton-Verona Independent has done this annually for more than 10 years.
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