John A. Cain

The meeting involved public comment periods regarding the potential establishment of a Turning Point USA club, which sparked significant discussion concerning political and religious affiliations in schools versus the principle of free expression for student initiatives. Key agenda items included the review and progress updates on several policy matters by the Policy Committee, specifically concerning employee use of district vehicles, digital information systems, and homebound instruction requirements necessitating an increase in mandated hours. The Superintendent of Schools reported on the NAERTA grant allocation of $2.5 million, noting that funds for electric buses would likely go to the contractor, First Student, due to current district bus ownership status. The board approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar, noting alignment with surrounding district breaks and adjustments to staff development days. Furthermore, the board approved personnel actions, including an amendment to a stipend for a literacy coordinator, and the formal approval of an employment agreement for an individual spanning 2026 through 2029. Several donations were accepted, including funds for the Educator Rising Club, the STEM program, and class-specific funds.

The meeting included a public comment session regarding school district operations, during which student voices were heard concerning their NISMA conference and all-state experiences. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of the external audit report by Bowers' representatives, covering communications highlights, adopted GASB standards (including the new standard for compensated absences), significant accounting estimates, and audit adjustments. The audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion. Financial highlights discussed included a $2.8 million loss in the general fund balance due to a $10 million transfer to the capital fund, the district maintaining over $13 million in reserves, and capital projects financing via a $12 million bond issuance. The school food service fund showed a positive net income of over $157,000. The board also received updates on upcoming holiday concerts.

This strategic plan, titled 'Pathway to Excellence: Nurturing Our Children, Shaping Our Future,' guides the Watertown City School District's mission to foster lifelong learners and responsible citizens over a five-year period. It focuses on five key priorities: increasing the graduation rate, enhancing meaningful student engagement, improving overall student attendance, strengthening behavioral supports for students, and upgrading infrastructure. The plan aims to create a caring, inclusive, and equitable educational community that promotes student success and well-being.

The document outlines the reserve plan for the Watertown City School District. It details various reserve accounts, including Athletic Repair Reserve, Capital Reserve (with IT and Buildings & Grounds Sub Funds), Debt Service Reserve, Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve, Insurance Reserve, Liability Claims Reserve, Property Loss Reserve, Retirement Contribution Reserve (with ERS and TRS Sub Funds), Tax Certiorari Reserve, Unemployment Insurance Reserve, and Workers' Compensation Reserve. Each reserve's purpose, funding method, expenditure guidelines, monitoring, and funding goals are specified.

The Watertown City School District's Title I Grant process was examined, focusing on internal controls and adherence to grant guidelines. The audit reviewed grant documentation from September 1, 2023, to August 30, 2024, revealing nine observations related to overspending, payroll discrepancies, incorrect ERS rates, staff misclassifications, unapproved stipends, underpaid stipends, confirming purchase orders, misreported travel expenses, and non-allowable purchases. Recommendations were made to enhance internal controls, improve payroll procedures, ensure accurate reporting, and prevent future discrepancies.