Watertown School Board Approves Key Policy Updates and Authorizes New Hires
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board addressed several key action items at its recent meeting, approving various policies, authorizing new positions, and accepting changes to food service titles.
Six policies that had previously undergone a first reading were given a second reading and formally approved. The most notable update was to the policy on Video Surveillance (ECAC). The Board struck the prohibition on audio recording, clarifying that audio is now included on school bus cameras.
Other transportation-related policies that received final approval included:
· Transportation Special Education Students (EEAB)
· School Bus Scheduling and Routing (EEAC)
· School Bus Safety Program (EEAE)
· Bus Driver Requirements, Training, and Responsibility (EEAEA)
· Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers (EEAEA-P)
First Reading for New Policies and Food Service Updates
The Board conducted a first reading for six additional policies, which will return for final action next month.
The policy on Food Management (EF) included several proposed changes:
· Clarification on the breakfast and lunch program.
· Changing the title of "Serving Manager" to "Kitchen Lead."
· Striking text regarding different meal types is no longer necessary.
Policies regarding Student Conduct on School Buses (EEAEC), Activity Bus Scheduling (EEAF), Extracurricular Activity Buses (EEAFA), Non-School Group Transportation (EEB), and Group Health and Dental Insurance Coverage (EIC) were reviewed with no changes.
Authority Granted for New Hires
The Board granted the authority to hire for three positions. Two of the positions are specialized in special education. The third hire is for a Family Support Specialist, a position funded through a supplemental grant to bolster the district's efforts to improve student attendance.
