Watertown Public Schools - Board of Education

06/09/2026

Dear Watertown Staff & Families,

I know how challenging it can be to make it to Board of Education meetings, and I wanted to share the information presented last evening regarding the budget that will go to a second referendum on TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026. It is essential that everyone vote and make your voices heard.

Linked below you will find a copy of the slide deck that was shared at the meeting. The slides include narration between them that explains each individual slide and the reasoning behind the recommendations. I am also including a link to the video of the Board of Education meeting for anyone who would like to watch the full budget presentation.

Slide Deck from 6.8.26 BOE Meeting-

https://docs.google.com/presentation/u/0/d/16_a1jIuehMGEOPYYCs0_gSUzjNgPofW4VA9jrY_mdDE/mobilepresent

Recording of 6.8.26 BOE Meeting-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YdIAZwZUnsw

Please know that all decisions have been made as strategically as possible, and we have done our very best to minimize the impact on the student experience. At this time, it is especially important to clarify two key points:

Despite the deep reductions, no Watertown Public Schools paraeducator or teacher has lost their employment. Although some positions have been eliminated, we were able to reallocate staff into other vacant roles created by retirements, resignations, and other attrition. Any further reductions to the budget, however, will almost certainly result in the loss of staff.
The district will remain 100% in compliance with all IEPs. If at any time the balance shifts and additional services are required that we cannot accommodate with current staffing, we will adjust staffing accordingly. We are fully committed to meeting all legal requirements and, most importantly, to supporting our students and staff.
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions. If I cannot answer your question personally, I will connect you with the person in the district who is best positioned to provide accurate information. Again, the referendum vote will take place on TUESDAY JUNE 23, 2026.

Thank you for your continued support of Watertown Public Schools and our students.

Sincerely,

Lisa Fekete

Acting Superintendent of Schools

Watertown Public Schools Budget Reductions June 23, 2026 Referendum

06/09/2026

Last night's Board of Education meeting marked the final time we were honored to have our Student Council Representatives by our side.

Privileged to have two uplifting, bright, kind, dynamic and upstanding students with us for the entire year.

You both brought an inspirational energy and passion to our Board, which touched us all, and we are grateful for your service!

Best of luck to you both.. your future is bright, and your potential is boundless!

A final Thanks to:

• Hunter Panczak - Who will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

&

•Nicole Ramirez - Who will be attending Post University

06/09/2026

Proud to celebrate our theatrically talented Halo Award Recipients!

• Hailey Peguero (grade 10) won "Best Performance in a Featured Female Role in a Musical" for her role as Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act

•Ava Stango (grade 12) won "Best Program Art" for Sister Act and for Music
Director for The Truman Show

•Kiley Pienczykowski (grade 12) honored with special recognition for Student Director for The Truman Show

06/09/2026

At last evenings meeting we proudly congratulated our NVL Champion Watertown High School Boys Tennis Team!! 🎾

•Ari Marku

•Anthony Melarango

•Gianni Melarango

•Davy Muka

•Austen Stango

• Erik Bejleri

• Ellis Boucher

• Nathan Garbrecht

• Tyler LaMadeleine

• Ian Lena

06/08/2026

Great showing by our WHS Track athletes at states this weekend! Hayden Stango set a new school record of 1:56.90 in the 800, the 4x400 relay team of Nate Ortega, Hayden Stango, Malik Methasa, and Teige Gavallas set a new school record of 3:25.23, and Khrystalyn Lafo ran her season best in the 300 hurdles.

06/03/2026

STEAM Night at Swift! Thanks to all who participated and attended! Soar 🦅's

06/02/2026

Congratulations to the following students for their acceptance into the National Honor Society !

Diana Adembambo
Lana Brunetti
Caitlyn Grabel
Julia Arnold
Janaida Bruno
Madelyn Aubertin
Jimena Cid
Genevieve Grohs
Alyse Badillo
Mae Cope
Jenna Haase
Brennan Baker
ALexis Crofford
Andrew HuLL
Matthew Barbieri
Grace D'Uva
Emma lasevoli
Kathryn Bookout
Reagan Dubay
Brooke Karas
Olivia Brevetti
Lahndon Flamengo
Joshua Kuskowski
Daviean Mitchell
Christian Kuzia
Max Mollica
Nicholas Silva
lan Lena
Grace Simmons
Sara Omeri
Jocelyn Lavesque
Calla Solla
Anna Perugini
Michael Longo
Liang Soto
Amelia Phelan
Riley McDonnell
Hayden Stango
Evan Phelan
Brooke mcweeney
Hayri Umer
Bridgette Ramirez
Mia Melendez
Raymond Vranga
Emity Ricciardi
Noah Metcalfe
Sami Sejdarasi

05/31/2026

Pop out to support the WHS Tennis Teams at Nonna Lucias now till 2, for a top notch Car Wash and some laughs! 🎾

05/28/2026

Standing ovation for our incredible Watertown High School theatre actors, crew and orchestra on being recognized at the prestigious Halo Awards. Congratulations to our Halo Award recipients and nominees for representing Watertown with such professionalism, artistry and talent. From rehearsals to curtain call, your hard work has showcased the very best of Watertown High School. Bravo on this well-deserved honor. The spotlight shines brightly on you!

Proudly, we won 4 Halo awards and a special distinction
1. Best Performance in a Featured Female role in a Musical: Hailey Peguero as Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act
2. Student Director: Kiley Pienczykowski for The Truman Show
3. Music Director: Ava Stango
4. Best Program Art: Ava Stango for Sister Act

Director/Producer Acknowledgement: Watertown High School Foster Reese & Mindi Davidson

05/27/2026

The Watertown Board of Education would like to honor the Parent Teacher Organizations
(PTO) for their outstanding service to the school community. In order to support our students, they have created strong working relationships between our parents and our teachers. Their volunteer efforts in planning activities, events, fundraisers, and much more are greatly appreciated. We sincerely thank you for your hard work and your dedication to our schools.

John Trumbull Primary School
Nicole Pereira: President
Danielle Finnegan: Vice President

Judson Elementary School
Jenna Crevier-Walsh: President
Nicole Mangione: Vice President

Polk Elementary School
Alex Webster: President
Dagmara Lovallo: Vice President

Watertown High School
Shannon McDonnel: Co-President
Kim Verno: Co-President
Cheryl Johnstone: Vice President

Swift Middle School
Amy Quinnan: President
Laura DiNapoli: Vice President