For any organization, a long-term vision is crucial to success. In Watertown, the local school district has laid out its plan for the next three years.
At the most recent meeting, the Watertown School District School Board set forward its priorities through 2027.
The discussion was led by superintendent Jeff Danielson. Priority one – safety.
“We are currently working on an update to our school safety handbook, looking at evacuation drills and reunification drills, stuff like that," Danielson said. "Another one is a change in name on here, so if you see the name 'Mandt,' that has previously been referred to as CPI.”
Mandt is a classroom training system, and CPI is the Crisis Prevention Institute training principles. The Mandt system highlights trauma and health protocols, gives staff members clear responsibilities, and minimizes paperwork relating to safety situations.
Another key issue for Danielson is ensuring the district can hire the right staff.
“Obviously, it becomes more and more competitive in terms of how we stack up when it comes to hiring and replacing people – trying to stay ahead of area schools, but also to remain competitive among our large school peers,” Danielson said.
Paired with that need for competition comes the challenge of ensuring the districts facilities are on par.
“As we transition out of Roosevelt (Elementary) – what could that building become? We have some possibilities in the works, but nothing set in stone on that," Danielson said. "Then also, what becomes of the current Watertown stadium and that site. Those are big pieces in that fiscal health.”
Other areas of consideration in the report are marketing, communication, outreach, and student and staff success.
Ultimately, the plan was approved. Once finalized, the documents can be found on the school district website.