About WEF
 
What is the Foundation and how did it begin?

  In the fall of 1990, interested citizens assembled in a conference room at Watertown Savings Bank to discuss establishing an Education Foundation. With their perseverance, the Watertown Education Foundation was created.

  The Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation with a Board of Directors. It was formally organized under Articles of Organization on April 29, 1992 to promote educational excellence in Watertown Schools. This Foundation was the vision of several residents, members of the business community and educators of Watertown.

The Watertown Education Foundation was incorporated to benefit our school system.

 The purpose of the Watertown Education Foundation is to:

"Promote continued improvements in the Watertown Public School system by
supporting superior teaching and educational leadership, assisting programs
to benefit students, staff and parents, strengthening Watertown's commitment
to excellence in education and encouraging support and participation of all
citizens, businesses and friends of Watertown in that process."

  The initiative to start an education foundation for Watertown was a recommendation in the Watertown Public Schools Strategic Plan for 1990-1995. The Strategic Plan was developed through a community and school partnership. An Educational Foundation is one way to continue that active partnership in supporting and enhancing educational programs and community services. Since its inception the Education Foundation has awarded more than $125,000 in grants.

  The Foundation was started because the school system and the community were ready and they have demonstrated how effectively they work together in community spirit. The Watertown Public Schools has implemented a professional development program for teachers and the foundation was founded to encourage and financially support teacher retraining and innovative pilot programs in the school district.

  This website provides an opportunity to answer some of your questions about this organization. You can also find information about our activities, fundraising events and our grant program. Information on becoming a member and making a donation to the foundation is also available.