The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting tonight, Monday, Feb. 23 in the Commons at Watertown High School. A Detachment Hearing will take place at 5 p.m. followed by the Board of Education meeting starting at 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Sub-Committee of the Curriculum, Educational Services & Policy committees will meet at 1 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
To view the meeting agendas and to access virtual log in information, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Come learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum by attending an event listed below:
▪️ Referendum Presentation - Schurz Elementary School, Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Pubic Library, Sat., Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, Sat. Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Sub-Committee of the Curriculum, Educational Services & Policy committees will meet at 1 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
To view the meeting agendas and to access virtual log in information, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Come learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum by attending an event listed below:
▪️ Referendum Presentation - Schurz Elementary School, Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Pubic Library, Sat., Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
▪️ Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Piggly Wiggly, Sat. Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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.
🚌 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!
💙💛 Watertown Unified School District 5th-8th graders participated in the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners' Network Math Meet at UW-Whitewater on Wednesday, January 7. 💫
On the 5th and 6th grade team, Oliver Hensler and Brynleigh Wegner were the top 2 scorers in 5th grade, and Jake Ruetten and Zander Unkel led the 6th graders. Oliver Hensler took 1st place overall in 5th grade, among hundreds of students! The 5th and 6th grade team took 6th place overall. Nice job, team! 👏👏
On the 7th and 8th grade team, Kinsley Strobel and Parker Wheeler were the top two 7th grade scorers, and Eliana Keddington and Oliver Wegner were the top two 8th grade scorers. Eliana Keddington took 3rd place overall in 8th grade, among hundreds of students! The 7th and 8th grade team took 5th place overall.
Awesome job, everyone! 👏👏
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
On the 5th and 6th grade team, Oliver Hensler and Brynleigh Wegner were the top 2 scorers in 5th grade, and Jake Ruetten and Zander Unkel led the 6th graders. Oliver Hensler took 1st place overall in 5th grade, among hundreds of students! The 5th and 6th grade team took 6th place overall. Nice job, team! 👏👏
On the 7th and 8th grade team, Kinsley Strobel and Parker Wheeler were the top two 7th grade scorers, and Eliana Keddington and Oliver Wegner were the top two 8th grade scorers. Eliana Keddington took 3rd place overall in 8th grade, among hundreds of students! The 7th and 8th grade team took 5th place overall.
Awesome job, everyone! 👏👏
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
💙🏫 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.
Watertown High School will host Freshman Preview Night for all current area 8th graders on Thursday, Jan. 15. This event is an excellent way to learn more about the high school and its many academic and extracurricular offerings. No need to pre-register, just attend!
This is such exciting news - a new digital scoreboard will soon be installed at the Riverside Middle School pool! The RMS pool is home to both the Watertown High School Swim Team and the club-based Watertown Aquatic Team (WAT). Thank you to WAT, Watertown Family Practice, Watertown Regional Medical Center, Meade Medical Clinic, and the Watertown Athletic Booster Club for raising funds to make this project a reality. 🌟
Thank you to Ed Zagorski of the Watertown Daily Times for highlighting this donation in a recent newspaper article.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Sweet rewards for smart business decisions! 🎉
Riverside Middle School STEM Academy students wrapped up their entrepreneurship simulation with a special visit from Amber Yelk, owner of Sassy Sweets Bakery. Amber shared her experiences as a local business owner and helped students see how classroom skills connect to real-world entrepreneurship.
The student "businesses" with the highest profits and best service earned hot cocoa bombs from her bakery - an extra sweet way to celebrate their success.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Riverside Middle School STEM Academy students wrapped up their entrepreneurship simulation with a special visit from Amber Yelk, owner of Sassy Sweets Bakery. Amber shared her experiences as a local business owner and helped students see how classroom skills connect to real-world entrepreneurship.
The student "businesses" with the highest profits and best service earned hot cocoa bombs from her bakery - an extra sweet way to celebrate their success.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
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!
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!
Riverside Middle School National Junior Honor Society/Student Council students recently attended a one-day leadership conference at UW-Whitewater, organized by the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network, led by Ted Neitzke. They learned strategies to strengthen leadership skills, build strong organizations, engage others, avoid conflict, and develop plans to grow future leaders. It was a great opportunity for our students to learn to lead with confidence!
🎄 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!
Stuff the Bus this past Saturday was a success! 🎄🚒
Thank you to everyone who dropped off donations to benefit WUSD students in need. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers and the Watertown Park and Rec Dept. for partnering with us for this event. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to DH Enterprises for use of the school bus, the Watertown Lions Club for their $700 donation, and to EZ-Promotion & Apparel for their donation of multiple boxes of new pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts.
It was a great day to be a Gosling!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Thank you to everyone who dropped off donations to benefit WUSD students in need. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers and the Watertown Park and Rec Dept. for partnering with us for this event. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to DH Enterprises for use of the school bus, the Watertown Lions Club for their $700 donation, and to EZ-Promotion & Apparel for their donation of multiple boxes of new pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts.
It was a great day to be a Gosling!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The WUSD K-12 Student Art Showcase was held Wednesday evening at Watertown High School. During the free event, attendees viewed artwork from all grade levels across the district, enjoyed refreshments, and participated in art and craft activities. Thank you to the WUSD Art Department for organizing the event, and for doing such a great job fostering student talent and creativity. 🎨🖌
