At Watertown Public Schools, we value the contributions of every team member and want to ensure you and your family have access to comprehensive benefits. Whether it’s health coverage, retirement planning, or other employee perks, our benefits package is designed to support your well-being both on and off the job. 

Below is an overview of the benefits available to employees working 0.5 FTE or greater. You’ll find information on eligibility, enrollment, and plan options—making it easier to take full advantage of what’s offered.

For Long-Term Substitutes to be benefits eligible, they must work more than 90 days in a school year. Daily Substitute Teachers are not eligible for benefits.

Medical Insurance

We offer a variety of medical insurance plans through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC).

The effective date of medical insurance is the first of the month following 60 days of employment. If electing to enroll in health insurance, employees must select their plan within 10 days of hire. Employees have a choice of selecting an individual or a family plan. 

• New Employee Enrollment GIC Health Fiscal Year 2026 (PDF)

Open enrollment is held in April of each year with an effective date of July 1st.

Dental Insurance

We offer two different dental plans, DMS Dental and Altus Dental. The effective date of dental insurance is the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

• New Employee Enrollment Dental and Vision Fiscal Year 2026 (PDF)

Open enrollment is held in April and May of each year with an effective date of July 1st.

Retirement Plans

Working 20 hours or greater, you will become a member of the municipal retirement plans, either Massachusetts Teachers Retirement or Watertown Retirement. Employees who work less than half-time will become members of the OBRA retirement system.

• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System
• Watertown Retirement System
• OBRA - SMART Plan for Public Employees

Flexible Spending Accounts

You may optionally enroll in a medical or dependent care spending account. The annual limit for our medical spending account is $2500 and the annual limit for the dependent care spending account is $5000. You may elect to utilize debit cards to pay for your expenses.

Short or Long Term Disability Insurance

You may elect to enroll in short-term or long-term disability insurance. You can choose the amount of disability benefits to meet your needs, subject to income.

Term Life Insurance

For a minimal fee, we offer $10,000 term life insurance through Boston Mutual Life Insurance. You may purchase additional voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse or dependents for a minimal fee.

Questions about Life Insurance? Please contact Paul McCaffrey at 508-735-1242 or paul@accessenroll.com or Dave Grondin at dave@accesscontrol.com

Time Off

Please refer to your specific union contract for time off provisions that include holiday time, sick time, personal time and if applicable vacation time.

Credit Union

We offer our employees the choice of belonging to the Watertown Municipal Credit Union.

Direct Deposit

A program that allows you to have your weekly pay deposited directly to your bank account.

403 B Retirement Plans

We offer you a choice of 403(b) retirement plans enabling you to save additional money for retirement.

Please see the link here for documents regarding information about our 403B plans. Each plan is individually managed by their affiliated company, for plan-specific questions please reach out to the investment providers, the authorized providers and contact information is on the last page of the 403(b) Savings Plan document.

Discounts

Watertown Public Schools employees enjoy exclusive discounts across a variety of categories. Most discounts require your WPS email or ID to verify employment.

• Save on popular devices and software from Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Bose, and more. Discounts include computers, tablets, headphones, software subscriptions, and wireless plans.
• Receive special pricing at major retailers including Amazon, J.Crew, L.L. Bean, The North Face, and many others. Savings typically range from 10–25% off purchases.
• Access discounts on mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace, as well as wellness products such as mattresses and sleep aids. Therapy and counseling services are available to employees.
• Educator pricing is available for subscriptions to major newspapers, classroom resources, and book retailers including Barnes & Noble, The New York Times, and USA Today.

Employee Assistance Program

Watertown Public Schools employees are offered an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through MIIA. The EAP is available 24/7/365 to you, your household members, and dependents. Services are confidential and include support for personal, family, or work-related challenges, including mental health, relationships, finances, legal concerns, grief, and overall well-being.