This story was written by Lia Salvatierra, our new Education Reporter. Find more of Lia’s reporting here. Do you have an NKY education story? Email lsalvatierra@linknky.com.
Last week Newport and Dayton boards of education approved their working budgets, while Covington’s board approved an agreement to generate career and educational opportunities with a company that could have plans to relocate its headquarters in the city.
Keep reading for more details about what happened last week and what’s on the table this week from Northern Kentucky school boards.
Potential doors, windows into careers for Covington students at relocated company headquarters
Sept. 24, regular board meeting
A company that designs doors and windows that is potentially relocating to Covington would offer career opportunities for Covington Independent Schools students under routine tax agreement approved last Thursday.
The Covington Board of Education approved a payment in lieu of taxes with Norwood-based security, door and window designer Innovative Opening Solutions at a regular Sept. 24 meeting. According to that agreement, the company plans to rehabilitate and lease a nearly 100,000-square foot building owned by the city of Covington, which it would eventually purchase by paying off bonds.
The agreement ensures that the district would receive 50% of all property tax revenue from the site and requires Innovative Opening Solutions to engage in “good-faith efforts” to engage with the district to support and participate in its career and technical education.
“I think this is a really good example of the city and school partnering together to make something good happen,” said Covington Board of Education Member Kareem Simpson.
The district also held its first of a few community forums on Sept. 23 to gather input on the district’s “School of Innovation” pilot program, which offers rule exemptions and funding for innovative education practices. The district plans to hold two more forums on Oct. 15 and Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.
Walton-Verona Independent Schools
Sept. 22, regular board meeting
Walton-Verona Independent Schools Board of Education approved the school’s 2027 Walton Verona High School prom venue at Prickel Barn in Verona. The district also discussed holding the dance at the Water’s Edge Event Center in Warsaw, or alternating venues each year.
Newport Independent Schools
Sept. 23, regular board meeting
Newport Independent Schools Board of Education approved a $19.6 million general fund budget for the school year, holding steady from a budgeted $19.5 million last year. That budget includes an anticipated $12.5 million in local tax revenues, $3.35 million in state SEEK funding and $4.73 million in federal funding. Superintendent Matt Atkins said the district submitted a preliminary budget to the Kentucky Department of Education, which “passed all air tests smoothly.” The district’s total budget outside of the general fund, which is essentially the district’s operating budget, amounts to $28.6 million. That sum includes special revenue, capital outlay, building funds, food service and building funds.
Dayton Independent Schools
Sept. 23, regular board meeting
Dayton Independent Schools Board of Education approved an $11.7 million general fund budget for the school year, slightly below actual spending of $11.9 million last year. Revenue sources include $3.7 million from local sources, including property tax revenue, $6.4 million from the state and $250,000 from federal sources.
School board meetings this week:
Campbell County Schools
When: Monday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.
Where: Alexandria Educational Center 51 Orchard Lane Alexandria, KY 41001
What: Special meeting including discussion on 2026-27 working budget and a closed session citing 81.610(1)(f) to discuss personnel matters. Under state law, the district must cite the reason — appointment, a discipline, or a dismissal — but does not have to name the individual.
Find more meeting details here.
