Watertown School Board Reports Positive Finances and Community Support for Students

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board began the new year on a high note Monday night, announcing that a wave of community generosity has effectively cleared several negative student meal accounts.

During the review of the December 2025 financial reports, district officials highlighted two major contributions totaling $20,000. Sharp Automotive donated $10,000 to the cause, which was matched by another $10,000 gift from an anonymous donor.

“I think Watertown’s a great community to live in, and I think this is one example of what makes it a great community to have people like that helping people out,” noted Board President Jon Iverson. “What a great gift to families at Christmas time to have those balances cleared up.”

District officials reminded families that while these donations are used to offset debt, students must have a meal application on file with the district to be eligible for the funds. The application is required to process the donations, regardless of whether the family is eventually approved for free or reduced-price status.

District Financial Position and Budget Adjustments

The board reviewed a stable financial outlook as the district closed out the 2025 calendar year, while also approving supplemental budget modifications to accommodate shifting educational needs:

·        General Fund: The fund received a final property tax payment of $543,000, ending the period with a balance of $6.8 million. The board approved a $64,945 supplemental allocation for an Attendance Grant to cover related salaries and services.

·        Capital Outlay: Revenues totaled $319,000, with expenditures primarily directed toward ongoing construction of the district’s new athletic complex and debt service for school facilities.

·        Special Education: Supported by $316,000 in federal IDEA reimbursements, the fund remains consistent at a $3.3 million balance. To support students at McKinley and Jefferson schools, the board allocated $50,365 for new paraprofessional positions.

·        K-12 Nutrition: While the ending balance of $166,000 is lower than last year due to the timing of inventory purchases, the monthly revenue of $191,000 exceeded expenditures.

Lake Area Technical College and Secondary Funds

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) reported a strong fiscal position with an ending cash balance of $7.9 million. The college reported monthly revenue of $5.6 million, bolstered by state aid and a $229,000 CHSA grant. The board approved a $1.07 million budget adjustment for LATC, funded by state aid and grants, to cover equipment, surgical technology salaries, and $245,000 for Student Center renovations.

Other district funds showed consistent performance:

·        LATC Educare: The program’s ending cash position of $487,000 is improved compared to the prior two years.

·        Arena Concessions: Maintained a cash position of approximately $24,000, comparable to the previous year.

·        Employee Benefit Trust: Reported a positive operating position, with the balance increasing by $166,000 over the past 12 months due to favorable claims experience.

Administrative Actions

In addition to business, the board reviewed the latest bulk fuel quotes from December 16, 2025. Sioux Valley Coop provided the lowest bids at $3.367 per gallon for No. 1 Diesel and $2.278 for Regular Fuel with Ethanol.