Preview: Watertown School Board to Vote on $1.8M HVAC Project, Superintendent Contract, and Staff Awards Tonight
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown School District Board of Education will hold its regular meeting tonight, Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM, at the District Office. The Session, which will be livestreamed, covers a wide range of district business, from infrastructure overhauls to recognizing the district’s top employees.
1. Honors & Recognition
· Staff of the Year: The board will recognize the 2026-2027 Staff of the Year nominees and winners. Renee Meland (Lincoln Elementary) has been named Certified Employee of the Year, and Michael Stydel (Technology Staff) is the Classified Employee of the Year.
· School Board Recognition Week: In honor of South Dakota School Board Recognition Week (Feb. 16-20), the district will celebrate the leadership of Jon Iverson, Kari Lohr, Jean Moulton, Bailey Raml, and Roshal Rossman.
· Student Achievement: Recognition will also be given to All-State football players and the State Oral Interpretation team for their recent “Team Excellence” and “Superior” awards.
2. Infrastructure: The $1.8M Elementary Cooling Project
· The Proposal: The board will consider a $1,799,290 proposal from Johnson Controls for the installation and integration of cooling systems at Jefferson and Lincoln Elementary Schools.
· Context: This follows a previous approval of $622,990 for the purchase of the HVAC equipment itself. Tonight’s vote covers the demolition of old units and the full integration of new chillers, pumps, and fans.
· McKinley & Mellette: The project also includes replacing obsolete unit ventilators in Room 217 at McKinley and Room 135 at Mellette.
3. Leadership & Personnel Changes
· Superintendent Contract: Following an executive session to discuss personnel, the board is scheduled to take action regarding the Superintendent’s contract.
· K-12 Retirements: The district is processing the following departures, including Troy Terronez (Assistant Principal, WHS), Kris O’Brien (Librarian, WHS), Steve O’Brien (English Instructor, WHS), and Denise Bowers (Alt Ed Paraprofessional).
· LATC Retirements: Lake Area Tech will see the retirements of instructors Scott Leitheiser, Jackie Abel, and Brenda Norton, along with Dual Credit Coordinator Lee Quale.
4. Financials & Enrollment
· Enrollment Statistics: As of February 2, the district’s total enrollment is 3,307.11 students, down from 3,368.25 in September.
o Elementary: 1,119 students.
o Intermediate (WIS): 495 students.
o Middle School (WMS): 547 students.
o High School (WHS): 1,127.11 students.
· Monthly Financials: January reports show a General Fund cash balance of $5.8 million, while LATC maintains a strong $10.2 million.
· Fuel Quotes: Sioux Valley Coop provided the lowest bulk fuel bids at $3.06 for No. 1 Diesel and $2.38 for Regular Fuel with Ethanol.
· Employee Benefit Trust: The 2025 financial report shows the Trust ended the year with a $3.5 million balance, covering over 600 employees and their families.
5. Policy Review & Education
· New Policies: First readings will be held for policies on Confidential Information (GBJA), Staff Qualifications (GCAA), Certification (GCB), and Staff Training (GCCAE).
· Ongoing Review: Second readings and final approval are expected for policies, including Staff Disclosure of Misconduct (GBCD) and Internal Fiscal Controls (GBEBC).
· Legislative Advocacy: Superintendent Dr. Danielsen will discuss the ongoing Session in Pierre, specifically his concerns that the Governor’s proposed 0% funding increase for schools is below the statutory minimum.
6. LATC Specific Business
· Equipment Lease: Action will be taken on a lease with TranSource for a Volvo Compact Wheel Loader at $1,000 per month for the Heavy Equipment Operator program.
· Surplus Property: The board will consider a resolution to surplus a FedEx Airplane (VT 19046) no longer necessary for instruction.
