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.
🚌 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!
💙🏫 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 Harris, 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!
🖍 WUSD 4K & 5K registration opens today at 10 a.m.!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Douglas Elementary School students had SNOW much fun last week during recess. ❄⛄
Webster Elementary School kicked off its Kids' Heart Challenge with an assembly last Thursday. Webster students learned about ways to stay healthy and take care of their hearts. They also learned about ways they can raise money for the American Heart Association to help others with 'special hearts.' 💙
Grades 2/3 students at Lincoln STEM Elementary School kicked off 2026 by choosing a word of the year.
They reflected on 2025, and identified a word that would help them be the very best they can be this year. Students even made bracelets to wear as a daily reminder of their special word. These Pandas are ready to make this their best year yet!
They reflected on 2025, and identified a word that would help them be the very best they can be this year. Students even made bracelets to wear as a daily reminder of their special word. These Pandas are ready to make this their best year yet!
The Schurz Elementary School Carnival took place this past Friday with the gymnasium, main hallway, and several classrooms filled with fun activities for children and their families to enjoy. Thank you to everyone at Schurz for organizing such a nice event and thank you to the Watertown High School National Honor Society students for helping to run the crafts and activities.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Watertown Unified School District 4K registration opens on Monday, Feb. 2. Several 4K Open Houses have been scheduled, and are listed in the flyer below.
To register for the Fall 4K program, children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. To register for the Fall 5K program, children must be five-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. Half-day and full-day options are available for 4K. The 5K program is full day. Watertown 4-Kids learning programs include STEM, Environmental & Agricultural, eCampus, Traditional, Multi-Age, Dual Language & more!
For more information, email Cheryl at hollatzc@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460.
To register for the Fall 4K program, children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. To register for the Fall 5K program, children must be five-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. Half-day and full-day options are available for 4K. The 5K program is full day. Watertown 4-Kids learning programs include STEM, Environmental & Agricultural, eCampus, Traditional, Multi-Age, Dual Language & more!
For more information, email Cheryl at hollatzc@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460.
Attention Parents and Guardians of 3 & 4-year-olds in Watertown!
The Watertown Unified School District is seeking 3 & 4-year-old students to join our Little Goslings Program. The Little Goslings Program is a play-based program focused on routines and social skills and is designed around the needs of our youngest learners with learning delays. As part of the program we seek Peer Models, same aged peers who display strong social skills, communication, and are toilet trained, to join our class. Peer Models help support an inclusive setting for all learners while participating in creative activities, strengthening school readiness and communication skills, and fostering relationships.
The next Peer Model screening will take place January 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Douglas Elementary School. To register your child for a screening or to learn more, click the link below or contact WUSD Special Education Program Manager Rebekah Faas at faasr@mywusd.org.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyPrCtYpw16s8f1tc_Lj9tmgz0B8Td94grJXLWax4VcE63tw/viewform.
The Watertown Unified School District is seeking 3 & 4-year-old students to join our Little Goslings Program. The Little Goslings Program is a play-based program focused on routines and social skills and is designed around the needs of our youngest learners with learning delays. As part of the program we seek Peer Models, same aged peers who display strong social skills, communication, and are toilet trained, to join our class. Peer Models help support an inclusive setting for all learners while participating in creative activities, strengthening school readiness and communication skills, and fostering relationships.
The next Peer Model screening will take place January 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Douglas Elementary School. To register your child for a screening or to learn more, click the link below or contact WUSD Special Education Program Manager Rebekah Faas at faasr@mywusd.org.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyPrCtYpw16s8f1tc_Lj9tmgz0B8Td94grJXLWax4VcE63tw/viewform.
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!
Last night, Webster Elementary School hosted its annual Holiday Concert. Our Wildcats filled the gymnasium with holiday cheer as they sang beautifully for friends and family members. 🎶🎄🎶
We're proud to be Goslings everyday. 🌟
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
🎉 A new portable Makerspace was recently introduced at Lincoln STEM Elementary School.
The new Makerspace was made possible through a partnership between the Lincoln STEM Elementary PTO and the school's Academic Committee.
The Makerspace, which consists of different pieces of portable equipment, is filled with child-friendly maker tools and materials to assist teachers in leveraging STEM learning. Now each classroom has accessibility at any point during the learning day to be creative, problem solve, and critically think.
The students and staff at Lincoln thank the PTO for its incredible support! 🐼💫
The new Makerspace was made possible through a partnership between the Lincoln STEM Elementary PTO and the school's Academic Committee.
The Makerspace, which consists of different pieces of portable equipment, is filled with child-friendly maker tools and materials to assist teachers in leveraging STEM learning. Now each classroom has accessibility at any point during the learning day to be creative, problem solve, and critically think.
The students and staff at Lincoln thank the PTO for its incredible support! 🐼💫
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!
Lebanon LEAP Elementary School hosted a "Starbooks" experience this week where second and third graders were able to "get a taste" of several different genres of new books. Students noted what they thought of the book's cover, hook, pictures and content on their Starbooks brochures. Afterwards they enjoyed hot cocoa and pastries as they chatted about the books, which are now available for checkout from the school library. ☕📚
