Central Office

Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Families and Students,

It’s remarkable just how quickly the end of the school year arrives. It goes without saying that this year has been a productive and successful year filled with many moments of pride, hard work that we see coming to fruition in these last few days of school, and happiness/joy in all of the amazing memories we will take with us into the summer.

Watertown Never Ceases to Amaze

The Watertown Public Schools is dedicated to offering an excellent education for all students and committed to taking one step at a time to achieve the goals we set out for our students, no matter what obstacles we may face.

• In times of adversity, I’ve seen our district rally together and unite as one to achieve a positive and brighter outcome for our students and families.
• In times of joy, I’ve seen our community share stories, accolades, smiles and victories by uplifting and recognizing one another.
• In times where it felt like we were in a 'grind' and we were all working to our fullest extent, I’ve observed colleagues, students and community supporters cheer each other on in support of celebrating wins, no matter how small they seemed to those looking in from the outside.
• In times where we faced hard decisions, I’ve seen creativity and innovation offer alternate solutions to keep us all rowing in the same direction, unrelentingly.

In short, our district has succeeded in the ebbs and flows a complex organization moves through in any given year and we did it with grace, confidence and camaraderie. And this can only be achieved when the 'many hands' that make our beautiful district and community tick, really care…and I mean REALLY care about the well being of our schools, students, faculty, families and surrounding community. And so, thank you….

Thank you to our:

• Faculty
• Administration and Cabinet
• Paraeducators
• Secretaries
• Nurses
• Custodial Maintenance workers
• Technology team
• Food Service workers
• Security personnel & School Resource Officers
• Coaches and athletic partners
• Bus Drivers
• Substitute teachers and Interns
• PTO members
• Volunteers
• School district partners and providers
• Members of the community...anyone I may have accidentally missed...and last but surely not least….

Our amazing students and parents for giving us the gift to work with your children each and every day. It is not only a privilege but an honor to be part of our WPS families’ lives every year.

Finally, as we get ready for our two graduation ceremonies tomorrow, pictures from Swift and WHS graduation will be posted towards the end of the week! Congratulations to all of our graduates.

With the utmost gratitude and respect for all those in the Watertown Community, I wish you all a phenomenal summer.

Dr. V

KEEP READING FOR IMPORTANT UPDATES BELOW

Wishing a Legend (Ms. Lerz) the Best Retirement Ever!

On behalf of the Watertown Public Schools, it is with gratitude and deep respect to share that Ms. Marylu Lerz, Principal of Swift Middle School and long time educator in the Watertown Public Schools will retire on September 1, 2025.

Ms. Lerz dedicated the past 41 years to the Watertown School System, demonstrating steadfast leadership and a deep commitment to educational excellence. For the past 25 years, she has served as Principal of Swift Middle School in Watertown, Connecticut. Prior to this role, she led Judson Elementary School as Principal for approximately five years. She is a dedicated and treasured member of the Watertown/Oakville community who has served students and families like her very own everyday. She is a mentor and friend to many and a true leader through and through.

Beyond her extensive K–12 administrative experience, Ms. Lerz also contributed to higher education as a Co-Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut, where she taught courses in Educational Leadership to aspiring school administrators.

Ms. Lerz’s teaching background in Watertown includes several years as a kindergarten teacher, where she introduced the first extended day kindergarten program to the Board of Education of Watertown Public Schools. Marylu also taught second grade at Judson Elementary School and prior to her tenure in Watertown, taught first grade at St. Lucy School in Waterbury, Connecticut.

She is known to be one of the most welcoming people in our district, always taking care of everyone around her whether faculty, staff, students, visitors, or colleagues. Marylu always offered a sweet treat, kind words, a place to sit, or something to eat. She cares deeply about her students and staff and her deep Italian roots brought out the hostess in her in every way.

Although we will miss Ms. Lerz, we are so happy that she will now be able to enjoy retirement fully, she sure deserves it! Congratulations!

Hiring for a New Principal of Swift Middle School

The Watertown Public Schools will begin a wide search for the next new principal of Swift Middle School this summer. A multi-stakeholder committee will be appointed and as the rigorous process of interviewing for this very important position progresses, updates will be provided to the community.

Transitions in Leadership in the New Academic Year: Welcome Ms. Lisa Fekete

It is with great happiness to officially introduce Ms. Lisa Fekete who has been appointed to be Acting Superintendent of the Watertown Public Schools as of July 1, 2025. It was no surprise for Ms. Fekete to be appointed unanimously by the Board of Education.

She is a compassionate leader who leads by example and holds educators and students to a high level. She is 100% dedicated to the success of all students and a champion and advocate for students and families. Ms. Fekete is a long-standing Watertown Public Schools employee and administrator who has built strong relationships and ties with the faculty, staff, and community. She is the utmost professional and seasoned in all that she does. She understands the big picture vision and mission of the school district

I cannot speak more highly of Ms. Fekete and her ability to lead and inspire those around here. In short, she is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of service under her belt and a rising star in the field of education when it comes to dynamic, contemporary leadership within the State of CT. She will assume her post as Acting Superintendent on July 1.

BOE Superintendent Search 2026 To Begin in the Fall

The selection process for a permanent Superintendent is a community wide process that deserves careful consideration and requires time so all stakeholders have an opportunity to collaborate with the BOE in creating a desired candidate profile specific to Watertown. In the late Fall, the Board of Education will discuss the future needs and goals of the Watertown Public Schools. At that time, community members can anticipate surveys where stakeholders can provide feedback and information to help the BOE determine the characteristics and traits of a preferred candidate. The Board of Education is duly committed to continuing the good work of our district and proud of the district’s accomplishments. The BOE looks forward and committed to engaging in a thoughtful and collaborative process in late Fall with the entire Watertown community.

Free Summer Meals 2025 for the Watertown Community

We are proud to announce that the Watertown Public Schools Food Service Department will provide free summer meals once again this year. Beginning July 1, 2025 children under the age of 18 yrs is eligible to receive free summer meals. Pick up will take place between 12-1PM every Tuesday and Thursday at Watertown High School. Please see the flyer below for more information.