Schools

Watertown Schools Looking for Ways to Close $2.5 Million Gap, Deal with Increasing Special Ed Costs

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Increasing costs of special education tuition has contributed to the sharp increase in the school budget over the past few years, Superintendent Dede Galdston told the School Committee on Monday night, and for budget for the 2026-27 school year the district will have to find ways to close a multi-million dollar deficit. During the Preliminary Budget overview for the Fiscal Year 2027 School Budget Galdston said the shortfall facing the Watertown Public Schools is $2.5 million, which is based on what she called a level-services budget. The total budget would be $67 million, while the current revenues — including a 4 percent increase in funding from the City — is $64.5 million. School administrators and the School Committee will be working on the budget for the next several weeks, and the School Committee will hold a public hearing on March 23 and take a final vote on the recommended budget on March 26, Galdston said. “So what we need to do is think about our level-services budget, think about what we can do to bridge that deficit so that we are able to balance a budget moving forward,” Galdston said.

Schools

Farm Inside a Freight Container Provides Produce for Watertown School Lunches, Program Praised by Lt. Governor

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Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll takes a look around the Watertown Public Schools’ Freight Farm. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The white box container sitting in the parking lot of the Watertown Public Schools’ administration building has smooth metal walls on the outside, but inside the walls have a lush floor-to-ceiling covering of green plants. The freight container is not just a teaching tool but also provides fresh produce for students around the district. Known as a Freight Farm, the container is filled with walls outfitted with equipment to water and nourish hundreds of plants, and lights to help them grow. When up to full production it will produce all the greens used in salads and other dishes served in Watertown’s five public schools.

Schools

Students Can Apply for 58th Annual Lt. Paul Sullivan Scholarship

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A scholarship has been given in honor of Lt. Paul Sullivan for 58 years. The 58th Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship will be awarded in 2026. Students living in Watertown or in area parishes can apply for several scholarships awarded in honor of the Marine from Watertown who died serving in Vietnam. The Lt. Paul Sullivan Scholarship Committee provided the following information:

We are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who are actively involved in their school, religion, and community. While grades and athletics are important components, CHARACTER is by far the most essential quality we look at in determining finalists.

Entertainment

High School Students Can Apply for Business of Music Internships

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Rick Saunders, on keyboard, performs at the Watertown Arts Market, 2025. High School students can apply for the “Business of Music” internship created by the City of Watertown’s Public Arts & Culture program and the Watertown Fine & Performing Arts. See details below. The City of Watertown’s Public Arts & Culture program, in partnership with Watertown Fine & Performing Arts (WFPA), invites local high school students to apply for the 2026 “Business of Music” Internship. Specifically designed for Watertown students entering grades 10 through 12, this program pulls back the curtain on the professional music world.

Schools

School Committee Adopts Resolution Supporting, Protecting Immigrant Students & Families

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On Monday, the School Committee adopted a resolution which states that the Watertown Public Schools have a “strong commitment to protecting the rights of immigrant students and their families.” The resolution also ensures certain protections including that the Watertown Public Schools (WPS) will not ask about immigration status, will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); will not allow ICE agents on to WPS property without a criminal warrant from a federal judge, and will not share student records with ICE without parent, a guardian or a court order. In addition, the resolution said, “WPS ensures that staff will only send students home with caregivers/family members or friends who have been approved by the child’s parent or guardian, and encourages parents and guardians to keep emergency contact information up-to-date by contacting their child’s school.” The School Committee unanimously approved the resolution at the Jan. 26 meeting.

Schools

Watertown Students Make Dean’s List, Local Student Completes Research Project

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Seven students from Watertown made the dean’s list Quinnipiac, Springfield College and Regis College, plus a local student completed an intensive research project. See the announcement from the colleges below:

Quinnipiac

The following area students were named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2025 semester at Quinnipiac University:

 Dante Cosco Marina Garcia-Rangel

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than C. Full-time students must complete at least 14 credits in a semester, with at least 12 credits that have been graded on a letter grade basis to be eligible. Part-time students must complete at least six credits during a semester. Names followed by an asterisk denotes with honors. Springfield College

Springfield College has named Nathan Master from Watertown, MA to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 fall semester.

Government

Schools, City Buildings Closed Monday Due to Snow Storm

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The City of Watertown and the Watertown Public Schools announced closures on Monday due to the snow storm beginning Sunday and continuing into Monday, which could drop up to 2 feet of snow on the area. See details below. Watertown Schools

The Watertown Public Schools will have a snow day for Monday, Jan. 26, according to the following announcement from the WPS website:

“With the snow expected to begin today, with 18–24 inches forecast by Monday. All Watertown Public Schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, due to unsafe travel conditions.