Election 2025 Guide: Watertown Voters Selecting City Council, School Committee, Library Trustee Seats

Charlie Breitrose

All voters in Watertown will have three contested races to vote in, selecting members of the City Council, the School Committee, and the Board of Library Trustees. Residents of District C will also be casting votes for their district City Councilor. The Watertown Municipal Election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Half the polling locations have changed in 2025. See more details below.

LETTER: Group of Residents Endorses School Committee Candidate

Dear Members of the Watertown Community,

We enthusiastically endorse Sheila Krishnan for Watertown School Committee. Having lived in Watertown for over a decade with two elementary-aged children in WPS, Sheila is a dedicated and involved community member. We stand behind Sheila for her commitment to student belonging and safety, educational access, and post-secondary pathways. As a dedicated public health-trained higher education professional and active Watertown citizen, we are confident that she will add an important voice to the Watertown School Committee to advance student learning, well-being, and success in our public schools. 

As parents of caregivers of elementary, middle, and high school students in Watertown Public Schools, we stand behind the district’s mission to create “an equitable, challenging, and innovative learning environment where everyone belongs and every student is empowered to shape the world around them.” We hope that each of our students builds lasting friendships and community with others, grows academically and socially, and goes on to actively contribute in meaningful ways to our world. If elected to the school committee, we unequivocally trust that Sheila would advocate for our children, listen to our and others’ needs and perspectives, collaborate with others and make decisions that advance the district’s mission.

LETTER: Why I Think You Should Vote for My MOM!   

Dear Watertown!  

As the youngest of four kids , I’ve spent my whole life watching my mom, Amy Donohue, give her time and energy to the Watertown Public Schools. Education has always been number one in our house, whether it was volunteering on the PTO, helping with the Watertown Education Foundation events, or donating to every youth group and sports team you can think of. When I was younger, I used to roll my eyes because she seemed to know everyone. Every teacher, every coach, every parent.

Early Voting in the 2025 Watertown Election Starts Tuesday, See Who’s Running

Charlie BreitroseWatertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown City Hall, the site of early voting for the 2025 Watertown Eleciton. The Watertown City Election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, but registered voters can participate in Early In-Person Voting at City Hall beginning Tuesday, Oct. 28. Races include City Councilor At-Large, District C City Council, School Committee, and Library Trustees.

Election 2025: See the School Committee Candidate Q&As

The race for Watertown School Committee features five candidates and at least one new person will join the committee. Watertown News reached out to the candidates to find out more about them. See details in the Candidate Q&As. Two incumbents seek re-election, and three candidates seeking a seat (one of whom has experience on the School Committee). Voters can select three candidates for School Committee 2025 Watertown Municipal Election.

School Committee Candidate Q&A: Joe Ganno

Joe Ganno

Why do you want to serve on the School Committee? I want to be a voice for all families and help create a shared vision for Watertown Public Schools.  I strongly believe in Watertown Public Schools’ values of equity, excellence and community. I believe an engaged community heightens the level of equity for our students. I believe an engaged community helps our students excel. 

Tell voters about your background and qualifications for being a School Committee member. I’m a lifelong resident and graduated of Watertown Public Schools. I have 2 boys who attend the Hosmer. A few of the reasons I feel qualified to be a School Committee member are my community engagement and professional experiences.

School Committee Candidate Q&A: Amy Dononhue

Amy Donohue

Why do you want to serve on the School Committee? After almost eight years on the School Committee, I want to continue to serve because I love this community. Our students, teachers, and families deserve leaders who listen, collaborate, and always put students first. I believe every child deserves an excellent education and the opportunity to thrive. 

Tell voters about your background and qualifications for being a School Committee member. I’ve proudly served on the Watertown School Committee for eight years.

School Committee Candidate Q&A: David Stokes

David Stokes

Why do you want to serve on the School Committee? I had the distinct honor of serving on the School Committee 2020-2023, through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. I see other equally daunting challenges just ahead in the next 4 years: economic uncertainty, anxiety, and social unrest are reported in the news daily, and public education is being devalued and pushed aside, furthered by diminishing federal funding. I am passionate about public education and preserving the important role it plays in this nation! Education can be a great equalizer, if we commit to combatting bias, supporting mental and physical health, removing barriers for students and families with challenges, and fostering creativity and curiosity within our schools.