Watertown Development Company Highlights Northeast South Dakota Schools’ Role in Building Future Workforce
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As students across northeast South Dakota return to classrooms, the Watertown Development Company (WDC) is recognizing the vital role schools, educators, and families play in shaping the region’s future workforce.
In a statement released this week, WDC emphasized that workforce development begins long before a student’s first day on the job — starting at home and in the classroom. The organization noted that high school students across the five‑county trade area represent a rapidly emerging segment of the labor force, and the choices they make in the coming years will directly influence the future of local businesses, main streets, and communities.
The five‑county region includes more than 100,000 residents, with public schools in Watertown, Clark, Willow Lake, Castlewood, Estelline, Hamlin (Hayti), Florence, Henry, Waverly‑South Shore, Arlington, Deuel (Clear Lake), Big Stone City, Summit, and Wilmot. WDC also recognized the contributions of private schools including Great Plains Lutheran High School, St. Martin’s Lutheran School, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and Watertown Christian School.
Together, these schools are preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, healthcare workers, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders — as well as future homeowners, consumers, and taxpayers who will sustain the region’s long‑term growth.
WDC Executive Director Chris Clifton said every classroom in the region plays a role in economic development.
“Every classroom in our five‑county region is part of our economic development pipeline,” Clifton said. “When we invest in our students today, we’re investing directly in the workforce our employers will depend on tomorrow. That’s true whether a student walks the halls of Watertown High School or one of our smaller public schools, or attends Great Plains Lutheran, Immaculate Conception, or Watertown Christian. Every one of them is part of our region’s future.”
WDC encouraged students to explore the opportunities available close to home, noting that the region’s employers continue to seek skilled, motivated graduates.
The organization closed its message by wishing students, families, and educators a successful school year and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the region’s future workforce.
