Watertown-Mayer Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, October 12, 2026
Financial Consulting and Operations Management
Special Education Program Overview and Initiatives
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program Growth
Early Career Teacher Coaching and Retention
18-22 Transitions Program for Adulthood
District Financial Health and Levy Certification
District Policy Revisions and Approval
Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) and Roofing Projects Update
District Enrollment Growth and Strategic Outreach
Curriculum, Assessment, and Teacher Evaluation Development
Community Education Program Development and Priorities
State and Federal Legislative Advocacy for Education Funding
Votes (3)
Acknowledgement of Donation, Contributions, and Fundraising (Resolution 27.04)
Dissent: None
Moved by Mr. O'ell · Seconded by Mr. Burns
Superintendent Schuler presented two donations: $2,000 from Mayor Baseball for the speech team and $3,000 from Watertown Lions for the Mock Trial team's expenses. The board expressed its gratitude for the community's generous financial support for these extracurricular activities.
26 Payable 27 Levy Certification
Dissent: None
Moved by Mr. Burns · Seconded by Miss Danielson
Superintendent Schuler and CISO VP Lauren Syrup presented the initial preliminary property tax levy for payable 2027. The board was informed that certifying at the statutory maximum ensures financial flexibility, as the levy can be reduced later but not increased. The preliminary levy showed a slight decrease of 0.57% from the previous year, with calculations based on MDE formulas, property valuations, and student enrollment changes. Upcoming steps include truth in taxation notices and a public hearing.
First and Only Read of District Policy Requiring Review
Dissent: None
Moved by Mr. O'Neell · Seconded by Miss Gatskco
Superintendent Schuler outlined changes to several policies, including updates to Policy 421 (Procurement) and Policy 613 (Graduation Requirements). Policy 421 now includes a provision for the superintendent to authorize emergency procurements up to $100,000. Policy 613 was updated to allow high school diplomas for veterans of the Korean conflict or Vietnam War who missed graduation due to military service, a change lauded for honoring veterans.
Notable Quotes (5)
Again, thank you to Mayor Baseball and the Watertown Lions for their kind donations.
By certifying at the maximum tonight, we preserve our district's financial flexibility. We can choose to decrease this number before our final certification in December, but state law prohibits us from increasing it above what we certify this month.
School districts do not independently set their own levy limits. The baseline numbers we're looking at tonight come directly from the MDE's levy limitation and certification report.
One thing to note is on policy 421 the procurement policy there's a new ad there um that gives the superintendent um some rights in in terms of of of a dollar amount if there was ever an emergency type situation.
So, if we have any individuals that served during the Korean conflict or during the Vietnam War, um, they or a family member can request, um, their high school diploma.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Official acknowledgment and approval of donations, contributions, and fundraising efforts.
The initial preliminary property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year, requiring certification by September 30th.
A 39-page document from the Minnesota Department of Education detailing school districts' levy limits and baseline numbers.
Statements mailed to property owners by the county in November, detailing their property tax obligations.
The district's procurement policy, updated to grant the superintendent emergency spending authority up to $100,000.
The district's graduation requirements policy, amended to allow for high school diplomas for qualifying veterans.
Federal law setting standards for special education, discussed in terms of its underfunding (12% vs. 40% target).
A revamped teacher evaluation model focused on good teaching practices, used for professional growth and assessment.
A new management software system being implemented by Community Education to improve administrative efficiency.
A statewide system for referring young children who may require special education services.
A constitutional amendment providing funding for schools, to be voted on in November.