It's a busy week for WUSD Board of Education meetings and operational referendum presentations.
Board meetings include:
▫️ Human Resources Committee - Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
▫️ Policy Review Committee - Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Curriculum Committee - Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.
▫️ Fiscal Management Committee - Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Public Operation Referendum Presentations
▫️ Watertown High School Library - Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. (TONIGHT)
▫️ Douglas Elementary School - Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
▫️ LIVE presentation on Facebook & YouTube, 6-7 p.m.
For more information, and to view the meeting agendas, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Board meetings include:
▫️ Human Resources Committee - Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
▫️ Policy Review Committee - Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
▫️ Curriculum Committee - Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.
▫️ Fiscal Management Committee - Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Public Operation Referendum Presentations
▫️ Watertown High School Library - Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. (TONIGHT)
▫️ Douglas Elementary School - Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
▫️ LIVE presentation on Facebook & YouTube, 6-7 p.m.
For more information, and to view the meeting agendas, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
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.
💡 Got a Student with Big Ideas? Let’s Get Them Funded!
Parents, is your child a natural leader, a creative problem-solver, or someone who just loves to help? The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is looking for student changemakers in grades K–12 to take the lead!
The Student Mini Grant Program gives students the chance to act as project managers for their own ideas. Through the generous support of our local business community, seed money is available to help our students turn their ideas into action.
The Details:
💰 Classroom Projects: Teachers can lead their entire class in a project with a grant of up to $100.
💰 Student Projects: Individual students or small groups can apply for up to $50.
🤝 The Support: Students choose their own Mentor (a parent, teacher, or older student) to act as a consultant and guide.
🚀 Real-World Skills: From budgeting to project management, students learn what it takes to be a visionary leader.
Important Note: Because we want to ensure every project is set up for success, our team will review all proposals based on originality and community impact. While we wish we could fund every idea, grants will be awarded to the most prepared and impactful proposals.
How to Apply: Students can pick up an application in their school’s Main Office. Proposals are due by February 27.
Let’s empower our students to stop waiting for change and start leading it! 🎓
Parents, is your child a natural leader, a creative problem-solver, or someone who just loves to help? The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is looking for student changemakers in grades K–12 to take the lead!
The Student Mini Grant Program gives students the chance to act as project managers for their own ideas. Through the generous support of our local business community, seed money is available to help our students turn their ideas into action.
The Details:
💰 Classroom Projects: Teachers can lead their entire class in a project with a grant of up to $100.
💰 Student Projects: Individual students or small groups can apply for up to $50.
🤝 The Support: Students choose their own Mentor (a parent, teacher, or older student) to act as a consultant and guide.
🚀 Real-World Skills: From budgeting to project management, students learn what it takes to be a visionary leader.
Important Note: Because we want to ensure every project is set up for success, our team will review all proposals based on originality and community impact. While we wish we could fund every idea, grants will be awarded to the most prepared and impactful proposals.
How to Apply: Students can pick up an application in their school’s Main Office. Proposals are due by February 27.
Let’s empower our students to stop waiting for change and start leading it! 🎓
🗳 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.
💙🏫 It's School Counselor Appreciation Week and we invite you to join us in thanking our very own caring and compassionate school counselors - Mindy Ganser, Bryce Steckbauer, Kelly Cunningham, Jesse Leonhardt, Lora Konz, Avery Nickels, Erikka Olson, Matthew Dunn, and Amy True. The Watertown Unified School District is fortunate to have you, and we thank you for all you do for our students!
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!
Congratulations to these eCampus Academy students for earning a spot on the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll for Trimester 1 of the 2025-26 school year! 🌟
eCampus Academy is the WUSD's innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community, and the entire state of Wisconsin. With over 600 courses available, from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms. For more information, visit ecampusacademy.org.
eCampus Academy is the WUSD's innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community, and the entire state of Wisconsin. With over 600 courses available, from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms. For more information, visit ecampusacademy.org.
We have so much to celebrate everyday at the Watertown Unified School District. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community members for supporting our schools. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
eCampus Academy elementary learners gathered for an in-person STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) day where they rotated through a variety of hands-on experiences.
The students designed marble races and paths for the Ozobot robot to travel on. Some attempted the challenge of creating a boat out of aluminum foil that carried candy corn before it sank. The students learned all about coding microbits, and even got to play catch with a digital baseball!
eCampus academy is the WUSD's innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community, and the entire state of Wisconsin. With over 600 courses available, from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms. For more information, visit ecampusacademy.org.
The students designed marble races and paths for the Ozobot robot to travel on. Some attempted the challenge of creating a boat out of aluminum foil that carried candy corn before it sank. The students learned all about coding microbits, and even got to play catch with a digital baseball!
eCampus academy is the WUSD's innovative K-12 online charter school designed for learners across our district, community, and the entire state of Wisconsin. With over 600 courses available, from foundational 4K learning to advanced college-level offerings, eCampus Academy brings education to students wherever they are, on their terms. For more information, visit ecampusacademy.org.
🎄 Join us for Carols & Bells - the annual Watertown High School Music Department holiday concert. 🎶
Performances are set for this Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. We have an outstanding music program and we hope to see our auditorium filled for both performances!
This special event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at goslingmusic.org, or in person at the WHS front office between 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. M-F.
This magical concert features non-stop music on a grand stage from five ensembles, and an opportunity for attendees to participate in sing-a-long carols. This will be an event you won't want to miss!
Performances are set for this Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. We have an outstanding music program and we hope to see our auditorium filled for both performances!
This special event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at goslingmusic.org, or in person at the WHS front office between 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. M-F.
This magical concert features non-stop music on a grand stage from five ensembles, and an opportunity for attendees to participate in sing-a-long carols. This will be an event you won't want to miss!
Today is National Substitute Teacher Appreciation Day. THANK YOU to our more than 150 active substitute teachers and substitute support staff working within the Watertown Unified School District! If you are interested in joining the WUSD as a substitute teacher, please contact Director of Human Resources Margaret Brady at bradym@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3245.
Come celebrate student art across all grade levels this Wednesday, Nov. 19, during the WUSD Student Art Showcase at Watertown High School from 5-7 p.m. This free event is open to all - come view incredible art created by the youth in our community. In addition to the free art activities, there will also be a short meeting at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. for parents and guardians to learn more about fostering creativity through art or advanced learning.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Community Survey Responses Due Nov. 17
A community survey to gauge voter support for a potential spring 2026 operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District has been mailed to area households over the past two weeks. The survey, coordinated by School Perceptions, asks voters for feedback regarding their support of three different operational funding levels for the school district. District voters are asked to return the paper survey or complete it online by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 17.
Voters living within the school district boundary who did not receive the mailed survey, or who wish to request an additional copy for another voting-age member of their household, are invited to call Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or email linskensl@mywusd.org. Thank you for sharing your opinions with us through the survey, and for helping us continue to honor our tradition of excellence, while embracing the innovation and transformation needed to prepare learners for the future. 🍎
A community survey to gauge voter support for a potential spring 2026 operational referendum for the Watertown Unified School District has been mailed to area households over the past two weeks. The survey, coordinated by School Perceptions, asks voters for feedback regarding their support of three different operational funding levels for the school district. District voters are asked to return the paper survey or complete it online by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 17.
Voters living within the school district boundary who did not receive the mailed survey, or who wish to request an additional copy for another voting-age member of their household, are invited to call Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or email linskensl@mywusd.org. Thank you for sharing your opinions with us through the survey, and for helping us continue to honor our tradition of excellence, while embracing the innovation and transformation needed to prepare learners for the future. 🍎
Children in the community need our support this winter 💙❄💙
We are collecting new clothing, non-perishable food, and personal essentials for WUSD students in grades 4K-12 at the Stuff the Bus Essentials Drive on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bentzin Family Town Square, 1 W. Main St.
This special event, co-sponsored by the Watertown Park and Rec Dept., is taking place during Women's Only Weekend. To view the full list of needed items with sizes, scan the QR code or visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mHw-PUpsmVmAFylJkiPqpmoQ7w1Lqp6FsxspwWd_jn4/edit?tab=t.0.
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education is seeking to gauge voter support for a potential future operational referendum through a survey that will be mailed to all school district households later this week.
The Board of Education has hired School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, to conduct the survey and to ensure all responses are kept confidential.
The survey has recently been emailed to WUSD staff members, and it will also be emailed to WUSD parents and guardians this week. If multiple members of one household would like to take the survey, additional copies can be obtained by contacting Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or by emailing linskensl@mywusd.org. Each survey contains a unique confirmation code to avoid duplication.
The survey response deadline is Nov. 17. The Board of Education thanks the community for its support of our public schools and strongly encourages all voters in the district to complete the survey. For more information, visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The Board of Education has hired School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, to conduct the survey and to ensure all responses are kept confidential.
The survey has recently been emailed to WUSD staff members, and it will also be emailed to WUSD parents and guardians this week. If multiple members of one household would like to take the survey, additional copies can be obtained by contacting Lynn Linskens at (920) 262-1460 ext. 3202 or by emailing linskensl@mywusd.org. Each survey contains a unique confirmation code to avoid duplication.
The survey response deadline is Nov. 17. The Board of Education thanks the community for its support of our public schools and strongly encourages all voters in the district to complete the survey. For more information, visit: https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The weather Wednesday evening was perfect for the first Watertown Ceramics Celebration at Watertown High School co-hosted by the Watertown Arts Council and the WUSD Art Department.
During the free community event, attendees viewed raku firing and smoke demonstrations and talked with students as they sculpted and glazed clay bowls, cups and figurines. In addition, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts were on display by local artists.
Mark your calendar for the next free community arts event – the K-12 Student Art Showcase on Nov. 19 at WHS.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
During the free community event, attendees viewed raku firing and smoke demonstrations and talked with students as they sculpted and glazed clay bowls, cups and figurines. In addition, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts were on display by local artists.
Mark your calendar for the next free community arts event – the K-12 Student Art Showcase on Nov. 19 at WHS.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay
Today is National School Custodian Appreciation Day. Thank you to all the members of the Watertown Unified School District custodial staff for their hard work and dedication to keeping our school buildings safe and clean. 💙💛
