Tomorrow - Tuesday, April 7 - is Election Day 🗳
Our community will vote on an operational referendum for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support district operational, instructional, and day-to-day maintenance expenses. If the referendum is approved, what would this mean for your taxes?
▪ A property with an assessed value of $100,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $96 per year or $8 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $200,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $192 per year or $16 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $300,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $288 per year or $24 per month
The WUSD recognizes it is asking for financial support at a time when many household budgets are already stretched thin. The district is working hard to reduce its operating budget - already cutting expenses by more than $1.2 million coming into the 2025-26 school year. Even with an approved referendum, deep budget reductions will still need to be made.
To learn more about the Operational Referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Our community will vote on an operational referendum for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support district operational, instructional, and day-to-day maintenance expenses. If the referendum is approved, what would this mean for your taxes?
▪ A property with an assessed value of $100,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $96 per year or $8 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $200,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $192 per year or $16 per month
▪ A property with an assessed value of $300,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $288 per year or $24 per month
The WUSD recognizes it is asking for financial support at a time when many household budgets are already stretched thin. The district is working hard to reduce its operating budget - already cutting expenses by more than $1.2 million coming into the 2025-26 school year. Even with an approved referendum, deep budget reductions will still need to be made.
To learn more about the Operational Referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
We encourage all Watertown area residents to be informed regarding the WUSD Operational Referendum that is on the ballot this Tuesday, April 7.
To learn more about the referendum, and what's at stake whether it passes or fails, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
To learn more about the referendum, and what's at stake whether it passes or fails, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
On Tuesday, April, 7, our community will vote on a referendum for the WUSD that would provide the district with $4.5 million per year for five years to fund operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. This funding, if approved, would not be for new buildings or major building remodeling projects.
🗳 Election Day is just ONE WEEK from tomorrow!
On Tuesday, April 7, our community will vote on an operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District that would provide (if approved) $4.5 million per year for five years to fund district operational, instructional and maintenance expenses.
To learn more about the referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
On Tuesday, April 7, our community will vote on an operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District that would provide (if approved) $4.5 million per year for five years to fund district operational, instructional and maintenance expenses.
To learn more about the referendum and why it is needed, please visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Congratulations to these Watertown High School students for being named to the Trimester 2 High Honor Roll for the 2025-26 school year!
Well done - we are proud of you!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Well done - we are proud of you!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Congratulations to these Watertown High School students for being named to the Trimester 2 Honor Roll for the 2025-26 school year!
Keep up the great work!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Keep up the great work!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Hey WHS Baseball and Girls Soccer athletes! Your red card items and payment are all due NO LATER THAN THIS THURSDAY, March 19th. Any late/missing items will result in the athlete sitting out the first day of practice. If you played a Fall or Winter sport this school year, then all you need is $75 for your Spring sport. For all forms, instructions, please visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/athletics
Hey WHS SOFTBALL athletes! Your red card items and payment are all due NO LATER THAN THIS THURSDAY, March 12th. Any late/missing items will result in the athlete sitting out the first day of practice. If you played a Fall or Winter sport this school year, then all you need is $75 for your Spring sport. For all forms, instructions, please visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/athletics
Today (Friday, March 6) is National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day. Thank you to our Watertown Unified School District building maintenance staff - Wayne Zastrow, Charlie Krebs, Scott Hiller, Marcos Galindo, Jeff Hiller, and Dustin Moke for all they do to keep our facilities safe and well-maintained!
We also extend our thanks to our Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Kevin Sukow for always keeping his department running smoothly, and to recently retired maintenance team members Paul Minning and Dennis Schwenkner. 🔨🔧🔩
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
We also extend our thanks to our Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Kevin Sukow for always keeping his department running smoothly, and to recently retired maintenance team members Paul Minning and Dennis Schwenkner. 🔨🔧🔩
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Come learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum by attending a meet & greet this Saturday or by tuning in to a live virtual referendum presentation Monday evening. Here are the details:
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Public Library Maker's Space, 10-11:30 a.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Monday, March 2 - Facebook & YouTube live referendum presentation
🏫 Why is the referendum needed?
The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Public Library Maker's Space, 10-11:30 a.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (meet & greet)
▪ Monday, March 2 - Facebook & YouTube live referendum presentation
🏫 Why is the referendum needed?
The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
Hey WHS Spring athletes! Make sure you are aware of your due dates for your Spring Sport! Any late/missing items will result in the athlete sitting out the first day of practice. If you played a Fall or Winter sport this school year, then all you need is $75 for your Spring sport. For all forms, instructions, please visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/o/athletics
Last week, Erin Steuerwald and Kelley Piasecki of the Watertown High School Athletics Department accompanied WHS athletes Nohra Good, Briella Moe, Breanna Meracle, Breanna Wolfgram, and Maddie Novotny to the first FASTForward Conference held at Waukesha North High School. The FASTForward Conference is designed to connect and empower female high school athletes from across the region.
Throughout the day, the athletes engaged in meaningful conversations, listened to inspiring speakers, and explored topics that impact them both on and off the field of play. The conference created a space for learning, reflection, and growth. From hearing personal stories of perseverance to discussing leadership, confidence, and teamwork, our athletes were reminded of the strength found in community and the power of supporting one another.
The day was filled with positive energy, thoughtful dialogue, and moments that encouraged them to see themselves as leaders in their schools and beyond. Most importantly, they experienced the value of listening - to speakers, to one another, and to their own voices. It was a day centered on connection, encouragement, and building a strong network of female athletes who will continue to uplift each other long after the conference ended. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Throughout the day, the athletes engaged in meaningful conversations, listened to inspiring speakers, and explored topics that impact them both on and off the field of play. The conference created a space for learning, reflection, and growth. From hearing personal stories of perseverance to discussing leadership, confidence, and teamwork, our athletes were reminded of the strength found in community and the power of supporting one another.
The day was filled with positive energy, thoughtful dialogue, and moments that encouraged them to see themselves as leaders in their schools and beyond. Most importantly, they experienced the value of listening - to speakers, to one another, and to their own voices. It was a day centered on connection, encouragement, and building a strong network of female athletes who will continue to uplift each other long after the conference ended. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum by attending an upcoming referendum presentation or community engagement session. More information can also be found on our website at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum by attending an upcoming referendum presentation or community engagement session. More information can also be found on our website at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
🗳 Community to Vote on WUSD Operational Referendum
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved placing a $4.5 million Operational Referendum question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses for the district. The referendum would last for a duration of five years. Funding would be for operations only - not for new buildings or major building projects.
Funding from the last operational referendum expired in 2023. Despite careful planning and cutting more than $1.2 million from the 2025-26 budget, the WUSD is experiencing a budget shortfall that is not sustainable long term. We invite the community to learn more about why the referendum is needed. Please send any questions you may have to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved placing a $4.5 million Operational Referendum question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses for the district. The referendum would last for a duration of five years. Funding would be for operations only - not for new buildings or major building projects.
Funding from the last operational referendum expired in 2023. Despite careful planning and cutting more than $1.2 million from the 2025-26 budget, the WUSD is experiencing a budget shortfall that is not sustainable long term. We invite the community to learn more about why the referendum is needed. Please send any questions you may have to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
🏆 STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
What a weekend - the Watertown Blue Review Dance Team earned the top spot as Hip Hop Champions at the WACPC State Dance Competition and also took 3rd place in Division II Kick - way to go!
What a weekend - the Watertown Blue Review Dance Team earned the top spot as Hip Hop Champions at the WACPC State Dance Competition and also took 3rd place in Division II Kick - way to go!
🚌 Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week! 🌟
February 9-13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in recognizing our bus drivers for all they do to support our schools and for the care and safety they provide for our students. Thank you!
February 9-13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in recognizing our bus drivers for all they do to support our schools and for the care and safety they provide for our students. Thank you!
The Watertown Unified School District invites members of the community to help share information regarding the upcoming April 7, 2026 Operational Referendum. To join in this effort, please take a moment to view and fill out this form by Jan. 8: https://bit.ly/44AhWbO.
Please send any questions to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Please send any questions to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Don't forget, tomorrow (Tues. Dec. 23) is an early release day for the Watertown Unified School District. Schools will dismiss tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Happy Holidays! 🎄
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Join us tonight for Briefings with Supt. Dr. Jarred Burke from 6-7 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum and to discuss issues relevant to the Watertown Unified School District.
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
We're proud to be Goslings everyday. 🌟
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
