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Watertown board approves Turning Point/Club America chapter after public objections
Summary
After public comment that included both support and sharp opposition, the Watertown City School District Board of Education voted to approve a Turning Point USA/Club America student club at Watertown High School with two faculty advisers; the board emphasized nondiscrimination and adherence to district club policy.
The Watertown City School District Board of Education voted to recognize a Turning Point USA/Club America student club at Watertown High School after hearing competing public comments for and against the proposal. The board approved the club formation with Jamie Strader and Jamie Gonsack named as faculty advisers and the motion carried by voice vote.
Brody Horton, president of the Club America chapter at Watertown High School, told the board the group promotes “free speech, a place for everyone to be heard” and planned meetings, guest speakers and volunteer opportunities for students. Michelle Ertz, who identified herself as Club America’s Snowbelt field representative, said the organization centers on “limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the free market” and invoked federal equal access protections as the legal basis for student clubs.
Several public commenters urged the board not to approve a Turning Point–branded club, calling the organization controversial and saying a neutral debate club would be preferable. One commenter alleged past statements by national figures associated with Turning Point and said that history made the local affiliation inappropriate; that objection was voiced during public comment and attributed to the speaker who raised it.
Board members framed the decision around district club policy and non-discrimination. A board member said the district “doesn’t judge [students] on their political beliefs” and emphasized that club recognition must comply with existing district rules on extracurricular organizations. The board did not provide a roll-call tally in the public record; the minutes state the motion carried.
The approval follows a period of public attention on the proposal: the district acknowledged heightened social media reaction during discussion but reiterated that club approvals are governed by board policy and district regulations.
The board’s action means the advisers named can support the newly recognized student club under the district’s extracurricular policies. The board moved on to other agenda business after the vote.
