WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG) The Watertown School Board decided Tuesday how to redistribute the children in the remaining schools in consideration of the Arrow Early Childhood Plan, with the board in agreeance it’s a better plan than the partner school concept.

Watertown Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen explains some background.

The concept consists of McKinley Elementary becoming an Early Childhood Center with preschool and Kindergarten students. The remaining schools (Jefferson, Lincoln, and Mellette) would host grades 1-4. The Arrow Early Childhood Plan would begin in the Fall of 2024. A revision to our elementary boundary policies was shared earlier in the meeting.

Dr. Danielsen discusses currently enrolled students.

Dr. Danielsen says the District recommends full implementation of the Arrow Early Childhood Plan with approval of new district boundaries later this Spring for the upcoming 2024-25 School Year.

Board Member Stuart Stein was online for the meeting, and Board Member Jean Moulton read his comments on the recommendation.

Board Member Roshal Rossman supports the plan and hopes it will provide a “strong foundation” for the future.

Board Members Moulton, Jon Iverson, and Kari Lohr agreed with previous comments and supported the plan.

Dr. Danielsen says the District recognizes the need to assess and enhance the transportation system, and he said they need the preschools to stay open.

The School Board unanimously approved the Elementary School Proposal for the Arrow Early Childhood Plan.