About Us - Watertown City School District

Watertown City School District is committed to building a caring culture that fosters lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

A graduating student in a purple cap and gown gives a high-five to a man in a suit and tie, with a hallway visible in the background.

Dr. Larry C. Schmiegel, Superintendent

Dear Community Members

Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council
2025–2026 School Year

Let your voice be heard. Be a leader. Help shape the future of the Watertown City School District.
Watch for applications for 2026-2027 in the spring.

Lynn Gaffney Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Chief Diversity Officer

Lynn Gaffney Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Chief Diversity Officer

Collaborate for Excellence: Empowering Student Success

I am truly honored to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of the Watertown City School District. My commitment is to empower our remarkable students and provide steadfast support to our dedicated staff. Together, we will foster an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally, ensuring they reach their full potential both within and beyond the classroom.

Curriculum & Instruction

Lynn Gaffney

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Chief Diversity Officer

School: 315-785-3707

Tina Lane Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator

Tina Lane Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator

A Positive Environment

Welcome to the home page for the Watertown City School District Personnel Office. This area of the new and improved WCSD website was developed to be more of a resource for current employees as well as to provide potential employees with helpful information related to working for the WCSD. We hope you find the site helpful, and we welcome you to call and/or visit our office if you have questions.

Personnel

Tina Lane

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, Student Services, COVID-19 Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator

School: 315-785-3720

Brianne Durham Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Finance - PL 103-932 Officer

Brianne Durham Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Finance - PL 103-932 Officer

Academic Return on Investment

One of our main goals at Watertown City School District is to achieve the highest academic return on investment possible while simultaneously ensuring the fiscal solvency of our district for years to come. We owe the same, if not better, educational opportunities to those entering Kindergarten as the graduating class just received.
Business Office

Brianne Durham

Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Finance PL103-932 Officer

School: 315-785-3714

Communication Flowchart

The Watertown City School District has developed a communication flowchart to promote direct, open, and respectful interactions so that questions and concerns can be worked out efficiently while also providing you with an opportunity to share compliments. The communication protocol starts with the staff member closest to the situation, as that person will usually have the information. At times, additional personnel are required to solve specific situations. Appropriate communication channels are listed here. The District encourages all questions from parents and residents regarding school matters.

If your issue has not been resolved after following all the appropriate steps in the communication protocol, the District Clerk can assist you in contacting the Superintendent’s Office. Then, if still unresolved, the clerk can assist you in communicating with the Board of Education.

District Clerk:
Michelle Gravelle

WCSD Communication Flowchart

Michelle Gravelle

Secretary to the Superintendent, District Clerk, Records Access Officer and Records Management Officer

District Office

School: 315-785-3705

Raptor School Safety

Required Documents

Mission

Vision

Vision Statement:

At Watertown City School District, our vision is to cultivate a vibrant educational community marked by a caring culture that nurtures lifelong learners and responsible citizens. Grounded in our core values, we aspire to be a district renowned for our unwavering commitment to exceptional programs that meet the diverse needs of all students. Through the cultivation of meaningful relationships, welfare-centric actions, and a dedication to safety and security, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and respected. Our vision encompasses the creation of a caring, inclusive, and equitable space that celebrates diversity and sets high expectations for achievement. We are united in our pursuit of excellence, challenging students to reach their full potential academically, socially, and personally. Watertown City School District envisions a future where each member of our community thrives, inspired to embrace learning and contribute responsibly to the world around them.

Core Values

Board Goals

Strategic Plan 2023-2028

Emergency Closing Information

When weather conditions or emergency situations dictate, we may cancel, delay, or close school.

A one- or two-hour delay, this means that buses will be dispatched starting one or two hours later than normal. Any other delays experienced by a bus drive while en route may make it arrive even later.

Please be sure to have current information on file with the office where your child attends school if your child must go to another person's home for temporary care school when school is forced to close early.

Emergency cancellations and closing announcements are made via ParentSquare, local radio and television stations.

News media for delay and closing announcements:

RADIO - 790 WTNY/WCIZ, TK99, K-ROCK, North Country Public Radio

TELEVISION - WWNY TV Channel 7, WATN/WTOJ WWTI Channel 50, Spectrum, TV 3 (Syracuse)

INTERNET - Newzjunky, Watertown Daily Times, NNY360

Building Use

1003 Community Use of School Facilities

1003.1 Facilities Use Permit Application

Please complete this form and email to the Maintenance Clerk listed below.

You also may fax it to 315-785-3771.

All requests must be submitted 30 days prior to approval.

Tracey Slate

Maintenance Clerk

Watertown Learning Center-Massey Street

School: 315-785-3770

Driving Directions

Click on building name for directions.

District Office
1351 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 1360
Phone Number: 315-785-3700
Fax Number: 315-785-6855
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Student Registration1351 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 661-8338
Fax Number: (315) 785-6855
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays).

Watertown High School 1335 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3800
Fax Number: (315) 785-3733
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Case Middle School1237 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3870
Fax Number: (315) 785-3731
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

H.T. Wiley Intermediate School1351 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3780
Fax Number: (315) 785-3769
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Knickerbocker Elementary739 Knickerbocker Drive Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3740 Fax Number: (315) 779-5654
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

North Elementary School 171 East Hoard Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3750
Fax Number: (315) 779-5405
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Building:

Ohio Elementary School1537 Ohio Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3755
Fax Number: (315) 779-5502
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sherman Elementary836 Sherman Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3760
Fax Number: (315) 779-5575
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Starbuck Elementary School430 East Hoard Street Watertown, NY 13601
Phone Number: (315) 785-3765
Fax Number: (315) 779-5472
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM