Friday, April 21, 2023
Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Families, and Students,
It has been a wonderful week back from April Break filled with events and celebrations around the district. Please see three important messages below:
Upcoming FY 24 Budget Public Hearing: APRIL 26
On Wednesday, April 24, 7PM at WHS Auditorium, a Public Hearing will be held to set the budget amounts for both the Town and BOE budgets for the FY 24 fiscal year. Please note that this Monday, both the Town and BOE budgets were reduced significantly.
On Monday April 17 the Town Council voted 6-3 to reduce the Board of Education budget by - $800K for a final budget number of $53,157,069 (6.2% increase).
The town council also reduced the town budget by - $200K for a final budget number of $35, 623, 811 (6.7% increase). This is a total reduction of $1,000,000 between both the town and board of education budgets.
With this reduction, the total combined Mil increase is now 1.4 which is approximately a 4% increase in taxes for the average tax payer.
The original proposed Town Budget was $35, 823, 811 (a $2, 439, 950 increase/ 7.31%) and the original proposed BOE Budget was $53,957,069 (7.81% increase). Both original proposed Budgets combined would have equated to $89,780, 880 which would have been a combined 7.6% increase and an overall Mil increase of 1.92.
Watertown residents are invited to attend the public hearing on 4/26 in person. For those who are unable to attend but would like to submit WRITTEN TESTIMONY can email towncouncil@watertownct.org by April 25, 2023.
April is Developmental Exceptionalities/Autism Awareness Month
April is Developmental Exceptionalities and Autism Awareness Month! Over the course of this month, the Watertown Public Schools have been promoting awareness and knowledge on Autism from PreK-Grade 12/Transition! From virtual read alouds at JTPS, school wide ‘wear blue’ campaigns, special assemblies at Swift and WHS, Faculty and Students are learning a little more on how we can be informed and inclusive peers to those who have developmental exceptionalities. The color blue filled many of our schools throughout this month to promote acceptance and inclusivity of neurodiversity in our everyday lives. In this life long journey of learning, thank you to the Watertown community of educators, students and families who create a welcoming space for all of our students every day in each of our buildings!
Learn more about Autism Services & Resources Connecticut
Learn more about Project Puzzle Piece and Autism Speaks
Capital Improvement Update
We are very excited to share that the replacement of the Swift turf will begin on Monday, April 24. We will have extra security and WPD on site Monday to help with traffic as the project gets off the ground. Please note that for the entire duration of the project, the Swift Middle School Basketball Courts will be closed to the public beginning Monday, April 24 until approximately June. We cannot wait to see the new turf field!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to Mr. Velardi at velardilu@watertownps.org.
Have a great weekend Watertown!
Dr. V
A Special Celebration of Eid al-Fitr
Today is a very special day of celebration for our Muslim families, faculty and students. A day called Eid al-Fitr and a holiday that signifies the end of Ramadan, a solemn month of fasting and self reflection. Click here to learn more about Ramadan.
Across the globe, Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast.” Time is spent visiting friends and family to exchange gifts and share special traditions and sweet dishes. We wish all of our Muslim Families, Faculty, and Students a great holiday! Eid Mubarak!
Important Dates and Happenings
April 24 - Regular BOE Meeting, 7PM, WHS Lecture Hall
April 25 - WHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, 6PM
April 26 - Town of Watertown Public Hearing date for FY 24 Budget, 7PM, WHS Auditorium.
April 27 - Judson & Polk 5th Grade Chorus & Instrumental Music Concert, WHS Auditorium, 7pm
May 12 - Jr&Sr. Prom, 6:30pm, Aqua Turf
May 18 - K-12 District Art Show at WHS, 5-7PM