With the start of the new year, the Watertown School Committee welcomed a new member. Sheila Krishnan was sworn in at the beginning of January, taking the spot vacated by Lily Rayman-Read. At our first meeting in January, the Board took the annual committee reorganization vote: Chair, Kendra Foley; Vice Chair, Jessica Middlebrook; Secretary, Amy Donohue. 

In late January, our Committee passed a resolution in support of immigrant students and families. We felt this was important in the wake of recent events across the country. Our schools are a safe and welcoming place for all, and this resolution reaffirms our commitment to “providing an inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environment for all students and caregivers/families, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status.”

The administration presented the FY27 preliminary budget. Currently, the district is facing a $2.5 million shortfall for a level service budget beginning in July. This gap is driven in large part by the increased numbers and tuition costs for out-of-district placements. Despite that, the administration has expressed confidence in closing the gap without affecting services or priorities that are important to the district’s mission. School Committee budget deliberations begin in early March. 

The district has been addressing the use (and misuse) of Chromebooks during learning time. Our technology team has taken steps to limit access to non-educational sites during school. 

We had an exciting visit from Lt Governor Kim Driscoll and state education leaders in early February to celebrate Watertown’s rapidly growing Farm-to-School and gardens programs. The new WPS Freight Farm is up and running, producing close to 1,000 heads of lettuce per week. This lettuce is being served in our school cafeterias and is also being donated to the Watertown Community Fridge. With the addition of the Freight Farm, Watertown High School has also launched a new High-Tech Farming course.

Looking ahead to next year, the Committee approved the 2026-2027 school year calendar, with the first day of school set for Tuesday, September 8. 

Congratulations to Watertown wrestling coach Kevin Russo, who earned his 500th career victory at the beginning of January. Coach Russo has had a significant impact on our community and his athletes for more than two decades and we are grateful for everything he has done in building an outstanding wrestling program. 

Have a safe and restful February break.  

Kendra Foley

Chair, Watertown School Committee