Watertown School District cuts student lunch debt by $20,500 after Sharp Automotive, anonymous donations

Watertown School District officials say more than $20,500 in donations — including $10,500 from Sharp Automotive and a $10,000 anonymous gift — will be applied to outstanding student meal balances.

By Riley Harrington January 1, 2026 7:30 am

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MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Watertown School District says it has significantly reduced student lunch debt after receiving more than $20,500 in donations from community partners and an anonymous donor.

District officials said the contributions include a $10,500 donation from Sharp Automotive and a separate $10,000 anonymous gift. The district said the funds will be applied directly to outstanding meal balances, helping ensure students have uninterrupted access to school meals.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen credited community support for helping remove barriers that can affect students’ ability to focus at school.

“These donations are a powerful reminder of how deeply our community cares about its children,” Danielsen said in a statement shared by local media outlets.

District officials encouraged families with questions about meal accounts or nutrition services to contact the Watertown School District office.

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