Watertown News | Page 61 | Your Source for Local News

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

By Charlie Breitrose | 13 hours ago

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.

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

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.

Watertown’s Wayside Multi-Service Center Had a Scare with Threatened Cut of Federal Grant

The Wayside Multi-Service Center is located on North Beacon Street in Watertown. (Courtesy of Wayside)

The Wayside Multi-Service Center momentarily saw one-third of its budget disappear, with the removal of a federal grant. While the grant was restored within days, Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Program Director for Wayside Multi-Service Center, said it was both a stark reminder and a heartening response.

Council Roundup: Councilor Elected Head of Statewide Board, DPW Equipment Funded, Contracts Approved

Watertown District B Councilor Lisa Feltner was elected president of the Mass. Municipal Councillors’ Association.(Photo by Krista Photography | Krista Guenin)

The City Council had a full agenda on Jan. 27, with votes to approve equipment purchases by the Department of Public Works, approval of contracts for multiple City unions, and a Watertown City Councilor was elected head of a statewide board. Also, the date for the Skip the Stuff Ordinance to be considered was announced.

More Headlines

Watertown’s Shana Gozansky Directing “Little Women” at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Watertown City Officials Join State Reps. on Beacon Hill to Ask for Residential Tax Relief

Mainstay Eatery in Watertown Square Closing After 27 Years

Around Town

October Watertown Walks Include Gore Place, Art Exhibit, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Shuttle

By Guest Writer | October 6, 2025

Members of the public walked around Walker Pond, which sits on two parcels, one owned by the City and one by the Bell Watertown apartments. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The following announcement was provided by Live Well Watertown:

Weekly programs will take place every Thursday, from 1-2 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) and include movement, conversation, and opportunities to connect, interact, and explore the greater community. The walking portion of these programs will be approximately 30-40 minutes, and we encourage attendees to walk at a comfortable pace.

Elections

City Council At-Large Candidate Hosting Campaign Kickoff Event

By Guest Writer | October 6, 2025

The following announcement was provided by the Tom Tracy for City Council Campaign:

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Here’s a short video introduction to Tom and why he seeks to serve you/us as Councilor-At-Large. https://youtu.be/UQjzMtYyZfg

Around Town

Sidewalk and Road Work Will Impact Coolidge Square, East Watertown This Week

By Guest Writer | October 5, 2025

The Mt. Auburn Street project continues with sidewalk work from near the Cambridge line to Arlington Street, while drainage work will take place in Coolidge Square. See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown.

Real Estate

Half a Dozen Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | October 5, 2025

Three townhouses, a pair of single family houses, and a three family were sold this week.

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Watertown Field Hockey Wins a Nail-Biter Over Reading

By Jim Vershbow, Contributor | October 4, 2025

Friday afternoon’s contest was the last of five straight home games for the Raiders before they go on the road next week. On an absolutely beautiful Fall afternoon, Watertown hosted Reading, who was in third place in the Liberty Division. The Raiders started the day in first place in the Freedom division at 4-0, and remain in first at 5-0, but it wasn’t easy.

Entertainment

See What Small Saves is Up to in This Week’s Cartoon

By Guest Writer | October 4, 2025

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net.

Schools

Watertown Schools Recognized by State for MCAS Test Results

By Guest Writer | October 3, 2025

Watertown students at some grade levels excelled in the math section of the state’s standardized test in 2025. See more details in the announcement provided by the Watertown Public Schools.

Around Town

Registration Open for Watertown Boys & Girls Club Biddy Basketball

By Guest Writer | October 3, 2025

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

WBGC Biddy Basketball is an 8-week instructional program designed to introduce young players to the fundamental techniques, skills and rules of basketball in a fun, team environment.