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Watertown School Board Greenlights Strategic Infrastructure and Long-Term City Partnership

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Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board approved a series of significant property and infrastructure measures during its Monday night session, ranging from specialized aviation equipment for Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to a long-term shared-use agreement for city tennis courts. The approvals reflect a mix of immediate operational needs and long-range community planning.


A New Fleet Addition for Nutrition Services

A highlight was the authorized purchase of a $63,432 commercial truck from Lynch Truck Center. The vehicle, a 2025 Chevrolet Express Commercial Cutaway equipped with a 15-foot Bay Bridge dry box and a 2000-pound railgate, is specifically designed for the Nutrition Services Department.


The truck will be utilized for daily meal delivery across the district’s schools. School officials noted that the design was selected for its ease of use.


“A little bit of a different design, easier to drive for our nutrition service staff, and we hope that it accommodates what we’re looking for,” explained Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen.


The purchase, funded through the FY27 capital outlay budget, does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate.


Strengthening City-School Partnerships

The Board also formalized a long-term commitment to community athletics by approving a new Tennis Court Usage Agreement with the City of Watertown. The agreement covers courts located at Highland Park and Belmont Park, ensuring the district has exclusive use for educational and competitive events while keeping them open to the general public at other times.


Key terms of the deal include:

·         Duration: An initial term through December 31, 2027, with automatic annual renewals extending to December 31, 2039.

·         Maintenance: The City retains responsibility for routine upkeep.

·         Cost Sharing: Major structural improvements, such as resurfacing or color coating, will be split 50/50 between the City and the School District.


Board President Jon Iverson commended the state of the facilities, noting, “Our tennis courts are in excellent shape. And as you travel around, you don’t always see courts that are that well-maintained.”


LATC Aviation and Operational Upgrades

For Lake Area Technical College, the Board granted authority to bid on several high-value items aimed at maintaining program quality and facility standards:


·         Airplane Engines: Authorization to seek bids for two engines for the professional pilot program, with an estimated cost of $160,000. These will be purchased after July 1 to align with the new fiscal year budget.

·         Custodial Cleaning Services: The Board authorized bidding for contracted cleaning services for the Educare facility and two aviation buildings at the airport park. LATC President Tiffany Sanderson noted these services are being rebid as current contracts expire.

·         Equipment Lease Agreements: The Board approved three leases with TranSource for an excavator, a nine-tire roller, and a compactor for the Heavy Equipment Operator program.


Modernizing Technology Through Surplus

In a final housekeeping measure, the Board approved a resolution to dispose of 95 HP 24-inch desktop monitors. The equipment, which dates back to 2014, was declared no longer necessary for district purposes and will be recycled. “If they’re 2014, they’re really old,” remarked President Iverson during the discussion.


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