Wage Increases, Bonuses Proposed for Staff of Extended Day Program

The Extended Day program run at Watertown’s elementary schools serves 400 students, but officials have struggled to find and keep staff to run the after-school program. Extended Day is operated by Watertown Community Education, which is a self-sustainingdepartment of Watertown Public Schools. Its funding comes from tuition and fees, rather than from taxpayer dollars. The program is able to accommodate more than 90 percent of the demand, but there is a waiting list of 38 students for this fall. In a memo to the School Committee, Debi Cornelius, Director of Community Education, wrote:

“The challenges our community faces with after-school care are not unique to Watertown.

UPDATED: Watertown’s Extended Day Program Salaries to be Discussed by School Committee

The School Committee will hold a pair of meetings on July 29 to discuss the compensation for the Extended Day program staff. The after school program, which is run by Watertown Community Education with the Watertown Schools acting as its fiscal agent, has a waiting list of 38 students, according to Superintendent Dede Galdston. The School Committee will discuss compensation for Extended Day employees to assist in recruitment, Galdston added. The program has had waiting in previous years, and the number on the list is similar to last year, Galdston said. “We limit the number of students to ensure a safe and supportive environment, based on the historical staffing that EDP can sustain,” she said.

Take A Tour of the East End During the Thursday’s Walk N Talk

Take a stroll around Watertown’s East End and meet some of the people behind the businesses that make the area so interesting. The Walk N Talk, co-sponsored by the City of Watertown’s Live Well Watertown and the Watertown Business Coalition, will visit four locations around Coolidge Square on Thursday, July 25 beginning at 10 a.m.

Meet at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols Ave. Then visit Massis Bakery, Fastachi, and Artemis Yoga. There is street parking near the ACEC. The event is free and open to everyone.

July 23 is Deadline to Comment on Possible Watertown Dam Removal

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The consultants examining the possible removal of the Watertown Dam presented their findings after studying the area near the dam over the Charles River just west of Watertown Square. The public can comment on the proposal until July 23. The dam was discussed at a public meeting held on July 9 at the Watertown Library.

Many, Many Open Houses to Check Out in Watertown This Week

Homebuyers have a wide selection of homes for sale in Watertown to visit this weekend. 47 Stuart St., $950,000, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1,860 sq. ft. Single Family, Open houses: Friday, July 19 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday, July 20 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday, July 21 11:30 AM – 1 PM

63 Bradford Road #B, $932,500, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 1,289 sq. ft.