Jean Fitzgerald

Parents, Teachers Worry About Who Will be the Next Superintendent

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MIWith the unexpected announcement that Watertown Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald will be retiring, parents, teachers and others already began worrying about who will come in to fill her shoes. Fitzgerald made the announcement at Monday night’s School Committee, saying she will be stepping down in early October. “Each new school year represents a fresh start and an opportunity to explore new challenges. We reflect on what we have accomplished, set new goals, and begin the work required to moved forward,” Fitzgerald said. “As this school year begins, I have decided to make such a change in my own career as an educator.

Environment

Stormwater Committee to Choose Sites for Green Infrastructure Projects

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The Stormwater Advisory Committee will discuss which projects to choose as the pilot projects for stormwater, green infrastructure projects. 

In June, the committee hosted an event where consultant Horsley Witten Group presented 22 options for the projects, which were ranked on their ability to absorb stormwater, their visibility and their cost. The committee will meet on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. in the DPW Facility, 124 Orchard St., Watertown. At the meeting they will pick the two projects to recommend to pursue first. See the presentation made by the consultants at the June 21 meeting by clicking here.

Schools

Watertown Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald Announces Her Retirement

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Watertown Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald announced she will retire from her position in October. Fitzgerald made the announcement at the beginning of Monday night’s School Committee meeting. Many in the audience were taken by surprise by the announcement. She arrived in Watertown in 2009 as assistant superintendent before being named interim superintendent and finally superintendent. In August a group of parents called for a vote of no confidence because of their frustrations with overcrowding and other issues.

Branch Libraries

Fate of Watertown’s Branch Libraries on Council Agenda Tuesday Night

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The two former-branch libraries have sat unused for several years, and Tuesday night the Town Council will talk about what to do with the two buildings. The East Branch is located on Mt. Auburn Street and the North Branch sits on Orchard Street. Tuesday, the Council will hear from Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon about what to do with the old libraries. Some in town have suggested having the Watertown Public Schools use the branch libraries to help relieve the crowding in the elementary schools.

Sports

Raider Romp Over Arlington Catholic in First Football Game

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Just like last year, the Watertown High School football team opened with Arlington Catholic, but unlike last year the result of the game was never in question. The Raiders played Arlington Catholic on the road in Medford, and came away with a 48-7 victory. Last year the Raiders needed a late comeback to win. Coach John Cacace’s team was lead by senior quarterback Deon Smith, who had two rushing touchdowns and another TD pass, according to the report on Wicked Local Watertown. Senior Vasken Kebabjian added two more touchdowns and junior Mange Camara had a touchdown and five extra points.

Around Town

Watertown Fire Department Remembers 15th Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001

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The Watertown Fire Department held a somber ceremony Sunday morning to remember the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and those lost that day and since then. 

It has been 15 years, but for those at the ceremony the memories still seem fresh. Fire Chief Mario Orangio was not on duty that day, but he took part in some of the remembrances soon after 9-11 in New York City. “We went to some of the funerals (of the New York Firefighters),” Orangio said. “And in Oct.

Thunderstorm

Strong Storm Forecast to Hit Watertown Sunday With Possible Lightning

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A strong line of storms is rolling through Massachusetts Sunday and could produce heavy showers and strong thunderstorms in the Watertown area. In Western Mass it has already knocked down trees. The National Weather Services forecast says the storms could hit the Boston area late morning or early afternoon. It could have damaging winds and localized street flooding.