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.
Congratulations to the following students in grades 3-8 whose artwork or writing was selected out of almost 1,000 pieces from southeast Wisconsin to be published in the regional Southern Lakes Anthology:
Riverside Middle School: DeMarcus Smith, Josey Weber, Evelyn Winkelman, Ivy Muza
Douglas Elementary School: Kristine Sharlow
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Isabell Lin, Benjamin Jobgen, Abram Deaton
Webster Elementary School: Marley Weber, Rawson Schweickhardt, Levon Cantrall, Wade Heller, Betsy Keepman, Evelina Grinwald, Braelyn Rein
A special congratulations to 4th grader Rawson Schweickhardt, whose artwork Star Cruiser was considered for cover art (but was ultimately not chosen.)
A special congratulations to 4th grader Marley Weber, whose poetry "Moments Before Gold" was chosen out of all 4th grade writing pieces to be the 4th grade "read-aloud" at the May Awards Celebration, where all of the published students will receive a copy of their book!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Riverside Middle School: DeMarcus Smith, Josey Weber, Evelyn Winkelman, Ivy Muza
Douglas Elementary School: Kristine Sharlow
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Isabell Lin, Benjamin Jobgen, Abram Deaton
Webster Elementary School: Marley Weber, Rawson Schweickhardt, Levon Cantrall, Wade Heller, Betsy Keepman, Evelina Grinwald, Braelyn Rein
A special congratulations to 4th grader Rawson Schweickhardt, whose artwork Star Cruiser was considered for cover art (but was ultimately not chosen.)
A special congratulations to 4th grader Marley Weber, whose poetry "Moments Before Gold" was chosen out of all 4th grade writing pieces to be the 4th grade "read-aloud" at the May Awards Celebration, where all of the published students will receive a copy of their book!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown Unified School District is holding two meetings tonight - a listening session regarding the potential closure of Lincoln STEM Elementary School and an operational referendum presentation.
The school closure listening session will take place in the Lincoln School gymnasium from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person seating capacity will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
An operational referendum presentation will be held at Webster Elementary School from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend this presentation to learn more about the referendum and to ask any questions they may have. Please enter through doors closest to the flag pole along 12th Street.
The school closure listening session will take place in the Lincoln School gymnasium from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person seating capacity will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
An operational referendum presentation will be held at Webster Elementary School from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend this presentation to learn more about the referendum and to ask any questions they may have. Please enter through doors closest to the flag pole along 12th Street.
🚌 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 Board of Education is holding special community listening and information sessions regarding the potential closure of Lebanon LEAP and Lincoln STEM elementary schools.
The first meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O. This meeting will be held in the school's gymnasium. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to roughly 200 attendees. The meeting will be livestreamed this evening and also available for viewing next week on the WUSD Board Meeting YouTube channel.
Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The listening and information session for Lincoln STEM Elementary School will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln gymnasium. In-person capacity due to fire code restrictions at that location will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. A virtual meeting link will be provided for that meeting early next week.
The first meeting will take place tonight, Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O. This meeting will be held in the school's gymnasium. Due to fire code restrictions, in-person attendance will be limited to roughly 200 attendees. The meeting will be livestreamed this evening and also available for viewing next week on the WUSD Board Meeting YouTube channel.
Public comments this evening from those in the audience and from those participating virtually will be limited to three minutes each. To access meeting login information to join virtually or by phone, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
The listening and information session for Lincoln STEM Elementary School will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln gymnasium. In-person capacity due to fire code restrictions at that location will be limited to roughly 220 attendees. A virtual meeting link will be provided for that meeting early next week.
💙🏫 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!
Lincoln STEM Elementary School recently hosted its annual Career Day. Professionals from across our community generously donated their time to talk to students about what they do for a living. Some visitors brought along equipment for students to test or try on, as well as tasty treats!
Thank you to Donald Winkelman/Do Right Concrete; Tonya Maier/Mullen's Dairy Bar; Nick Oliver/WorkSmart Systems, Inc.; Travis Steckbauer/Dave's Plumbing & Repair; Chelsea Deaton/Marshfield Medical Center; Kayla Fonseca/Faith Technologies, Inc.; Tom Delany/Jefferson Co. Human Society, Brad Retzlaff/HeatTek, Inc.; and Stacy Schroeder/Watertown Police Department.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
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!
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.
Congratulations to our Lincoln STEM Elementary School Pandas of the Month for December 2025! 🐼💫
Students are selected to be Pandas of the Month for displaying academic excellence and positive leadership skills. They are nominated by their classroom teacher and then recognized by Principal Kayla Wendt.
Keep up the great work!
Students are selected to be Pandas of the Month for displaying academic excellence and positive leadership skills. They are nominated by their classroom teacher and then recognized by Principal Kayla Wendt.
Keep up the great work!
Giving the Gift of Empathy 🎁💚💜
Second and third graders at Lincoln STEM Elementary School recently completed their Gift of Empathy project. Through this exercise, students interviewed and observed a classmate, and then created a gift for them based on their interests, needs and wants. Tina Oiler and Miranda Weinheimer are the Lincoln STEM Grades 2/3 teachers. Mrs. Oiler said, "We loved watching our students give and receive the gifts that they worked so hard on - their thoughtfulness and hard work was reflected through their smiles as they shared their gifts with one another."
Second and third graders at Lincoln STEM Elementary School recently completed their Gift of Empathy project. Through this exercise, students interviewed and observed a classmate, and then created a gift for them based on their interests, needs and wants. Tina Oiler and Miranda Weinheimer are the Lincoln STEM Grades 2/3 teachers. Mrs. Oiler said, "We loved watching our students give and receive the gifts that they worked so hard on - their thoughtfulness and hard work was reflected through their smiles as they shared their gifts with one another."
Last Thursday, students and staff at Lincoln STEM Elementary School gathered to honor Dennis Schwenkner for his years of service to the WUSD Maintenance team and to wish him well in his retirement.
Mr. Schwenkner was presented with cards from kindergarteners and first-graders, a book with ideas on how to spend his new free time by second and third-graders, and a service award and letter signed by all the fourth and fifth-graders thanking him for his hard work and dedication. In addition, Mr. Schwenkner was presented with a special portrait created by 3rd grader Harry Singer, plus a gift certificate from staff.
Thank you, Mr. Schwenkner, for your service to the WUSD!
Mr. Schwenkner was presented with cards from kindergarteners and first-graders, a book with ideas on how to spend his new free time by second and third-graders, and a service award and letter signed by all the fourth and fifth-graders thanking him for his hard work and dedication. In addition, Mr. Schwenkner was presented with a special portrait created by 3rd grader Harry Singer, plus a gift certificate from staff.
Thank you, Mr. Schwenkner, for your service to the WUSD!
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!
