Elections

LETTER: Group of Residents Endorse School Committee Candidate

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We the undersigned, are thrilled that Sheila Krishnan has stepped up to run for Watertown’s School Committee. Sheila respectfully listens to diverse perspectives, builds bridges, and takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. When she offers suggestions or opinions, Sheila takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. Sheila is a deep thinker and keen observer. Sheila has proven to be a solid ally for all Watertown residents in a variety of ways and under many circumstances. Recent examples include her advocacy for the 2024 Health & Human Services Study and providing thoughtful feedback on the final report and serving as a community member on the Library Director hiring committee in 2022.

Schools

Superintendent Reviewed Areas Where Watertown Fared Well in the State Accountability Results & Areas that Need More Focus

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Watertown had some highlights from the 2025 MCAS test and other accountability measures, including being recognized for the results in some areas, but school officials also identified areas that need more work. Superintendent Dede Galdston presented a report on the 2025 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accountability results at the Oct. 6 School Committee meeting. The accountability presentation included results of the MCAS tests, as well as measures such as absenteeism and the results of the ACCESS for students who come into schools not speaking English as their primary language, called English Learners. Last week, the Watertown Public Schools announced that Watertown was one of 63 districts across the state that the state DESE recognized for returning to pre-pandemic achievement levels in grades 3-8, and one of 41 recognized for meeting or exceeding achievement levels in math.

Elections

Candidates in Watertown Election Appearing at Town Democratic Committee Forum

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Democratic Town Committee:

Join the Watertown Democratic Committee for a Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Social Hall (downstairs) of the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown, MA. The moderator will be State Senator William Brownsberger. Watertown is fortunate to have so many individuals committed to serving our city. To ensure a timely program, the forum will prioritize contested races. Please see the forum lineup below. 

2025 Candidate Forum Lineup

7:30 p.m. – Welcome! 

7:35 p.m. – School Committee (3 seats, 4 candidates)

8:10 p.m. – City Council President (1 seat, 1 candidate)

8:15 p.m. – Library Trustee (3 seats, 4 candidates)

8:45 p.m. – Councilor At Large (4 seats, 5 candidates)

9:30 p.m. – District C (1 seat, 2 candidates)

9:50 p.m. – Close

All candidates will answer the same opening question, then have 3 to 4 different questions, and end with a closing statement.  This event is free and open to the public.

Elections

Hear from the Candidates in Watertown’s Election at Upcoming Forums

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As the Nov. 4 Watertown Municipal Election approaches, Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV will host a series of candidate forums for the local races, including the City Council and School Committee. The forums will be broadcast live, and two will be held in person, and all will be broadcast on WCA-TV’s Public Channel (Comcast Ch. 9, RCN Ch. 3, and online at http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/watch-now?site=1)

The first forum, held Sept.

Schools

Back to School: One School Welcomed a Large Kindergarten, Middle School Renovations Shift, Draft Cellphone Policy

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Cunniff Elementary School has a particularly large number of kindergartners this fall. (Photo by Watertown Public Schools)

Students in Watertown returned to class this month, including a large number of kindergartners on one campus. Back to School nights will be held this week, and the School Committee also heard about a proposal that would prevent students from using cellphones and other devices anytime during the school day. At Monday’s School Committee meeting, Superintendent Dede Galdston thanked the Watertown Schools’ faculty and staff for preparing the schools to welcome students to the 2025-26 School Year. The first day of class was Sept.

Elections

LETTER: Outgoing School Committee Member Endorses Candidates in November’s Election

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To the Watertown Community, 

For the past almost 8 years now, I have had the privilege of serving as a School Committee member here in Watertown, most recently as the vice chair. Those past years have seen the start of perhaps the best superintendent in the state, Dr. Deanne Galdston, the turnover of all 5 principalships with amazing new leaders, and the rebuilding/full renovation of 4 out of 5 of Watertown’s school buildings. To put it lightly — we got a lot done. To this day, I remain incredibly proud of how hard the Watertown community pulled together during the pandemic, making our schools and our city a leader in safe, effective education through a perilous time. We leaned on and learned from each other, and so many people across the entire community pitched in their expertise and time to help guide us.

Elections

LETTER: Lifelong Watertown Resident Joe Ganno Running for School Committee Candidate

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Joe Ganno

Providing a Voice for Families. Helping to Create a Shared Vision for the Future

Hi neighbors! I’m Joe Ganno, a lifelong Watertown resident, graduate of Watertown Public Schools, a father of two current Watertown students, and someone who deeply values fairness and community. I’m running for School Committee because I want to help develop the leaders of tomorrow today, by supporting every student, advocating for every family, and building on the progress the School Committee has made over the last few years. Our community and our children deserve leaders who listen, lead with integrity, and never stop trying to improve the services offered by the Watertown Public Schools.

Schools

Watertown High School to Pilot App That Would Disable Student Cellphones During Class

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Watertown High School students will use an app to disable cellphones during class beginning in the fall of 2025. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

Watertown High School plans to disable students’ cellphones during class using software that the school will be piloting during the 2025-26 school year. At Monday’s meeting the School Committee heard from parents who called one of the books on the recommended summer reading list “anti-Semitic.” The Committee also got more information on the changes to the Sexual and Sex-based Discrimination policy. Cellphone Pilot

WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi told the School Committee on Aug.