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.
A group of Watertown High School students recently traveled to Minocqua and Eagle River, WI to learn about natural resources through outdoor education and Careers in Environmental Science. Students visited the Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua where they learned about Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education and birds of prey! Students then continued to Eagle River where they stayed on campus at a natural resource school called Trees for Tomorrow. Here they participated in cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, survival skills, wildlife signs and tracking, and lake ecology. The trip was available to students in AP Environmental Science and/or the Ecology Club.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown High School Forensics Team had a successful start to the season at the DeForest tournament on Saturday, Jan. 31. 💫
Keep up the great work, Goslings!
Keep up the great work, Goslings!
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.
There are several WUSD Board of Education meetings this week, as well as four opportunities to learn more about the April 7 Operational Referendum. To view the meeting agendas, please click here: https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Board meetings include:
Educational Services Committee, Feb. 10, 7:30 a.m. - Educational Service Center
School Closure Listening Session - Feb. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Lincoln STEM Elementary School
Sub-Committee of the Planning Committee - Feb. 11, 4 p.m. - Connections Café
Planning Committee - Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. - Educational Service Center
Operational Referendum informational opportunities include:
Referendum presentation, Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Webster Elementary School
Meet & greet, Feb. 12, 4-7:30 p.m. - Webster Elementary School conferences
Meet & greet, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. - Girls Basketball Game, Watertown High School
Meet & greet, Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Indoor Winter Farmers Market, Watertown Public Library
🏆 STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
What a weekend - the Watertown Blue Review Dance Team earned the top spot as Hip Hop Champions at the WACPC State Dance Competition and also took 3rd place in Division II Kick - way to go!
What a weekend - the Watertown Blue Review Dance Team earned the top spot as Hip Hop Champions at the WACPC State Dance Competition and also took 3rd place in Division II Kick - way to go!
🚌 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.
In January, Watertown High School National Honor Society students spread a little winter cheer beyond the walls of our school. They baked homemade cookies, packaged them with festive winter stickers, and delivered them around town as a heartfelt thank-you to the people who make an everyday impact on our community.
Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.
We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Stops included the Lebanon Police Station, Lebanon Fire Department, Gentle Healer Pet Clinic, and Meade Medical Center. Through this small act of kindness, our students showed big appreciation for those who serve, care for, and protect others every day.
We are so proud of our NHS students for leading with gratitude and reminding us all that simple gestures can make a big difference!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
🎭 Mark your calendar - tickets for the Watertown High School Music Department's production of Pippin go on sale Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at goslingmusic.org!
The musical will take place in the WHS Auditorium on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
The musical will take place in the WHS Auditorium on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS during regular school hours 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
💙💛 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!
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education will hold three meetings this week:
📆 Human Growth & Development Committee - Feb. 3, 5-6:30 p.m. at Madison College, 1300 W. Main St.
📆 Special Board of Education Meeting in closed session - Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St.
📆 School Closure Listening Session - Feb. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lebanon LEAP Elementary School, W4712 Co. Rd. O
For additional meeting information, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/watertown/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
💙🏫 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!
Fifth-grade students in the Watertown Unified School District recently attended a Kindness Retreat at Watertown High School. This fun-filled, high-energy special event was facilitated by Youth Frontiers to promote empathy and kindness. Pictured are students and staff from Webster Elementary School as well as high schoolers who served as student mentors.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
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!
Watertown High School Art Student Ruby Repp was awarded a state Honorable Mention in the Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest. She will be recognized with a prize at the state Youth Art Month Celebration in Madison in March. She is seen here with her design based on this year's theme, "The World Needs Art."
