Walton-Verona Board of Education member David Turner speaks at the meeting. Photo by Lydia Schembre | LINK nky contributor

Walton-Verona Independent School Board of Education unanimously voted to add 15 positions to the Intermediate school at Thursday night’s regular meeting.  

As work on the school continues, the district is beginning to expand the staff. These positions include: a guidance counselor, a media specialist/response to intervention, two custodians, two cooks, a kitchen manager, a nurse, a secretary, a technology administrative assistant, an art teacher, a music teacher and a physical education teacher.  

Walton-Verona Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Matt Baker at the meeting. Photo by Lydia Schembre | LINK nky contributor

In addition to this, two teaching positions were approved for the district.  

There was a series of questions asked during the discussion portion of the media specialist/response to intervention job position. Many members were confused on why these positions were being combined.  

“This is a position that, I think as we are able, we split this,” said Superintendent Matt Baker. “Whether it is this time next year or this time two years from now, this would be one of my priorities. That as we grow and we are building and as we are able to sustain, this would be one of the first things I look at to split.” 

Walton-Verona Board of Education member James Dixon raises his hand at the meeting. Photo by Lydia Schembre | LINK nky contributor.

After further discussion, the board members decided to pass the bill 5-0.

“I think one important thing to notice: all of the conversation tonight is about growth,” said board member James Dixon. “It is an exciting time to be a part of the district.” 

The intermediate school is scheduled to open the second half of the 2024-2025 school year. It will be located at 1935 Tradition Dr. in Verona.