District news
Voters approve $4.5 million a year operating referendum
What happened
Voters approved the April 7, 2026 question letting the district raise $4.5 million a year above its state revenue limit for five years (2026-27 through 2030-31) for operating, instructional and maintenance costs. The board certified the vote on April 28: Yes 4,546, No 3,994. A smaller-than-asked referendum had been rejected in April 2025.
Why it matters to families
The extra money covers costs that rise faster than state limits. It is temporary, so the board will face the same gap again after 2030-31.
The evidence
The April 28 special meeting recording reads the canvass totals aloud (Yes 4,546, No 3,994). The December 15, 2025 meeting authorized the question at $4.5 million per year for five years.
The source
April 28, 2026 special board meeting (recording)See the full record for Watertown Unified School District.
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