The Watertown School Committee establishes goals, policies, and the budget for the
Watertown Public Schools. The School Committee hires the Superintendent and works
closely with that individual in developing policies and practices to improve the school system.
The School Committee also is responsible for conducting collective bargaining with all employee organizations and has other responsibilities as outlined by Massachusetts General Laws.

The School Committee consists of seven members.
Six are elected on a town-wide basis for four-year terms. The Town Council President
serves as the seventh member and is elected to a two-year term. In January of each year the
School Committee elects a chair, vice-chair, and secretary from among its members.
The School Committee also organizes itself into subcommittees to conduct its business.
 

For School Committee Meeting Supporting Documents, please click here.

Watertown School Committee Meeting Videos
Please go to WCA-TV to view videos of School Committee Meetings.

School Committee Resolutions

Resolution on Affirmation of Support of LGBTQ Students and Staff

Whereas, members of the LGBTQ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) face greater discrimination and bullying both in schools and in society at large;

Whereas, adolescents and adults in the LGBTQ community face higher rates of suicide and depression;

Whereas, student and staff well-being are fundamental concerns of the Watertown School Committee and school boards across the country.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Watertown School Committee affirms its support topromote the needs and safety of all staff and students who are LGBTQ and Gender Non-Conforming within our district.

And Be It Resolved that the School Committee of Watertown, Massachusetts urges state and federal policymakers to support laws and regulations that:

• Provide adequate funding for LGBTQ awareness and anti-bullying training for both staff and students;
• Provide for safe bathrooms, locker rooms and changing spaces for transgender and Gender Non-Conforming staff and students;
• Strengthen funding and support for counseling and mental health services for LGBTQ students.

The School Committee gives its support to responsible civic actions by students, educators and
others who are raising the visibility of this issue and seeking changes in public policy.

Resolution on Affirmation of Support for Staff, Students, and Community Members of Color

Whereas, People of Color face greater discrimination, structural discipline, lack of social support both in schools and in society at large;
Whereas, children, adolescents and adults in the Black community face higher rates of social and structural violence and racial discrimination,
Whereas, students’ and staff’s well-being is a fundamental concern of the Watertown School Committee and school boards across the country.
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Watertown School Committee affirms its immediate support to promote the needs and safety of all staff and students who identify as a person of color,
And Be It Resolved that the School Committee of Watertown, Massachusetts urges state and federal policymakers to support laws and regulations that:

• Provide appropriate and necessary safety measures for People of Color during a period of unrest in this nation, and guarantee the rights and safety of all those protesting for their lives.
• Hold accountable all public officials, police officers, and all those who serve their community for their responsibility to equitably represent and protect the public, and also hold accountable any individuals and organizations that take racist actions or in any other way do harm to the Black Community and People of Color.
• Enhance programming to provide schools with the structure and guidance needed to provide an anti-racist curricula and professional development for all staff to build understanding and awareness of the beautiful history and the challenges of being a person of color, and of the structural and endemic racism in the United States.

The School Committee gives its support to responsible civic actions by students, educators and others who are raising the visibility of this issue and seeking changes in public policy.

Resolution in Support of Immigrant Students and Families – January 26, 2026

WHEREAS, Watertown Public Schools (WPS) is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environment for all students and caregivers/families, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status;

WHEREAS, WPS affirms the belief that every student has the right to access high-quality education in a safe environment that respects their dignity and rights;

WHEREAS, WPS prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected classes;

WHEREAS, WPS maintains a strong commitment to protecting the rights of immigrant students

and their families, and ensures the following protections:

1. WPS does not ask for families’ immigration status.
2. WPS will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
3. WPS will not allow ICE agents access to WPS facilities without a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.
4. WPS will not share student records with ICE without parent/guardian consent or a court order issued by a judge.

WHEREAS, WPS ensures that staff will only send students home with caregivers/family members or friends who have been approved by the child’s parent or guardian, and encourages parents and guardians to keep emergency contact information up-to-date by contacting their child’s school;

WHEREAS, WPS principals and staff understand their roles and responsibilities regarding protecting and supporting our immigrant families;

WHEREAS, WPS is proud of our strong community collaborations with organizations that support immigrant families, and encourages families to reach out to their school’s family engagement facilitators, counselors, and social workers for any support;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Watertown School Committee reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights of all students, including immigrant students, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students and families in Watertown Public Schools.

This resolution shall be made publicly available and communicated to all WPS families, faculty, and staff.