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:
āŖļø Referendum Presentation - Schurz Elementary School, Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
āŖļø Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Pubic Library, Sat., Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
āŖļø 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:
āŖļø Referendum Presentation - Schurz Elementary School, Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
āŖļø Referendum Meet & Greet - Watertown Pubic Library, Sat., Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
āŖļø 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:
ā«ļø Human Resources Committee - Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
ā«ļø Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
ā«ļø Policy Review Committee - Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
ā«ļø Curriculum Committee - Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.
ā«ļø Fiscal Management Committee - Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Public Operation Referendum Presentations
ā«ļø Watertown High School Library - Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. (TONIGHT)
ā«ļø Douglas Elementary School - Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
ā«ļø 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:
ā«ļø Human Resources Committee - Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
ā«ļø Special Board Meeting in Closed Session - Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
ā«ļø Policy Review Committee - Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
ā«ļø Curriculum Committee - Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.
ā«ļø Fiscal Management Committee - Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Public Operation Referendum Presentations
ā«ļø Watertown High School Library - Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. (TONIGHT)
ā«ļø Douglas Elementary School - Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
ā«ļø 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.
š³ 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.
š Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week! š
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!
šš« 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!
š 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!
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! š
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. š¶šš¶
We're proud to be Goslings everyday. š
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
š 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! š¼š«
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! š¼š«
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. š
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. āš
Congratulations to our Lincoln STEM Elementary School Pandas of the Month for November! š¼š«
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!
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.
š Join us for Carols & Bells - the annual Watertown High School Music Department holiday concert. š¶
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!
