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The Full Story

The meeting opened with a joint session between the Selectboard and the Planning Board, led by Planning Chair Kristin Rappe. Rappe outlined an aggressive agenda for the coming months, including filling a board vacancy, adapting to new state clean energy permitting rules, and—most significantly—tackling the town’s aging zoning bylaws [01:13:02].

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The primary challenge facing Duxbury’s FY27 budget is a double-digit rise in health insurance premiums, a trend described as “systemic pressure” across the Commonwealth. Danielle Chaplick of the Hilb Group presented a sobering outlook, noting that while Duxbury’s five-year average increase of 4.9% has historically outperformed peers like the GIC or Mayflower Municipal Health Group, the current year presents an anomaly. [01:56:08]

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The meeting began with a reorganization of the committee following the departure of longtime chair Kellie Bresnehan. Matt Gambino was unanimously elected as the new Chair, with Jen Weedon taking the role of Vice Chair and Suzanne Hughes continuing her nine-year tenure as Secretary [22:12], [22:57], [23:32]. The committee also welcomed new member Aun Holland, who took her seat for the first time [21:46].

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The Friday morning session was primarily convened to finalize the execution of debt documents following an April 1st bond sale. Town Finance Director Mary MacKinnon and Treasurer/Collector Kory Lydon presented the results of a bidding process that saw 15 different firms compete for the town’s business. Fidelity Capital Markets emerged as the winner with a True Interest Cost (TIC) of 3.5198% [09:43].

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The Full Story

The meeting opened with a significant leadership shift as the board reorganized following the recent town election. Brian Glennon stepped down as Chair, with the board unanimously electing Amy MacNab to lead the body for the coming year. Fernando Guitart was elected Vice Chair, and Cynthia Ladd Fiorini was named Clerk [01:22:35]. Amidst the reorganization, the board took a moment to honor retiring Executive Assistant Nancy O’Connor, recognizing her “blood, sweat, and tears” over a dozen years of service to the town [01:18:22].

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The School Committee moved swiftly to secure the district’s transportation future, awarding a three-year contract to incumbent carrier First Student Inc. for $6,635,228.60 [01:50:05]. The new agreement reflects an approximate 9% annual cost increase, a figure transportation consultant Rich LaBrie described as a “market adjustment” necessitated by a national shortage of CDL drivers and competition from shipping giants like Amazon and FedEx [01:32:03]. LaBrie noted that Duxbury’s 9% increase was relatively favorable compared to other districts seeing spikes as high as 17% [01:30:41]. The contract includes a fuel escalator clause to share market risks between the district and the vendor [01:40:56].

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Selectboard Incumbents Sweep

In a three-way race for two open seats on the Selectboard, incumbents Mike McGee and Brian Glennon secured their positions for another term. According to unofficial results, McGee led the field with 2,677 votes, followed by Glennon with 2,409 votes. Challenger Derek Bennett, who campaigned on a platform of increased transparency and a cautious approach to the budget, finished with 1,487 votes.

During the campaign, both McGee and Glennon emphasized the need for “collegiality” on the board and championed the town’s ability to maintain high-quality services despite rising costs.

Override Success After Previous Failure

Duxbury voters also delivered a victory for town officials by passing Question 1, a $1.89 million operating override, with a vote of 2,128 to 1,859. The measure is designed to restore positions cut in previous cycles and bolster public safety and education.

Approximately 74% of the override funds are earmarked for the police and fire departments—including hiring new patrol officers and paramedics—and for the public schools. A significant portion of the school funding will go toward implementing universal free full-day kindergarten, a move educators argued was essential for student readiness in a shifting academic landscape. This year’s successful override was notably smaller than the $5.8 million request that failed at the ballot last year, representing a more “tightly focused” ask.

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Alden School Feasibility Study Approved

Voters also threw their support behind Question 2, approving the Alden School feasibility study by a margin of 2,370 to 1,584. The approval allows the town to stay in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) pipeline for potential state reimbursement.

The study is the first step in addressing the aging Alden Elementary School, which has faced significant maintenance challenges, including frozen heating coils and flooding during recent storms. Officials emphasized that the vote is for a study to explore options—ranging from renovation to a complete rebuild—rather than an immediate commitment to a specific construction project.

Planning Board

According to a statement from the Town Clerk reported by the Duxbury Clipper, James Lampert appeared to win write in campaigns for both a 5 year seat on the planning board and a 2 year seat. Opting to accept the 5 year seat results in a failure to elect the 2 year seat, which will be filled by a joint appointment of the Selectboard and Planning Board.

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The Full Story

The atmosphere in the meeting was one of urgent preparation as the committee stared down a Town Meeting that could determine the district’s staffing levels for years to come. Chair Kellie Bresnehan opened the session by “calling the Duxbury Clipper to task” for what she described as factual errors in their coverage of the Article 5B override budget [18:26]. Bresnehan clarified that while the override does include funding for full-day kindergarten and a technology director, it does not include additional curriculum supervisors or administrators, as had been reported. Instead, she noted that the district merged departments last year to save costs [19:02].

“We are restoring staff members that we lost last year... implementing universal full-day kindergarten and then maintaining our current staffing levels without further reductions.” [01:56:30] — Superintendent Danielle Klingaman

The committee spent significant time discussing the high-stakes Articles 5A (Operational Budget) and 5B (Override Budget). Article 5B aims to restore 18 staff members lost in previous budget cuts, including two elementary teachers and the implementation of universal full-day kindergarten [01:56:30]. Bresnehan emphasized that the goal is not to decrease class sizes but to maintain them amidst steady enrollment [19:25].

A major secondary narrative emerged when Chris Davidson, President of Duxbury Youth Softball, and a varsity team captain presented a proposal to install “Wimbledon-style” windscreens at Onion Field [40:16]. The windscreens—green with white lettering—would host local advertisements to generate revenue for field repairs and equipment. Davidson noted that the program’s funding is currently stagnant, making it difficult to address a “six-foot depression” at Train Field and other safety concerns [44:29].

However, the proposal hit a snag over Policy KH regarding advertising on school property. The committee debated whether revenue from town-owned fields could be legally funneled directly to a youth organization rather than the district’s revolving accounts [52:00]. While members expressed strong support for the creative funding, member Jen Weedon cautioned that they must “do it right from the beginning” to avoid setting a precedent for every youth organization in town [01:14:40]. The matter was referred to a newly formed athletics funding task force for expedited review [01:13:26].

In a move welcomed by many parents, the committee voted to add April 3 (Good Friday) as a half-day of school [01:35:14]. This adjustment allows the school year to end one day earlier, on June 23 instead of June 24, providing a small buffer for families whose vacation plans have been squeezed by seven snow days this winter [01:31:19].

Finally, the committee held its annual School Choice hearing. Superintendent Klingaman recommended against participating, citing the $5,000-per-student state reimbursement rate as insufficient to cover the actual costs of education [01:45:47]. The committee voted unanimously to opt out of school choice for the 2026-2027 school year, maintaining the district’s long-standing policy since 1996 [01:48:39].

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Why It Matters

For Duxbury residents, this Saturday’s Town Meeting is not just about numbers; it’s about the “teeth” of local education policy. If Article 5B fails, the district faces the permanent loss of nearly 20 staff positions and must continue charging for full-day kindergarten. Simultaneously, Article 12 represents the first step in a multi-year process to address the deteriorating Alden School infrastructure. As Klingaman warned, failing to approve the $1.5 million feasibility study now would force the town to “start over again” in the state’s competitive funding queue [02:01:25].

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the consent agenda, including meeting minutes and payroll warrants. [21:40]

  • Outcome: Passed [34:02]

• Motion: To add Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) as a half-day to the school calendar. [01:35:10]

  • Outcome: Passed (Unanimous) [01:35:14]

• Motion: That Duxbury Public Schools does not participate in School Choice for the 2026-2027 year. [01:48:20]

  • Outcome: Passed [01:48:39]

Public Comment

No public comments were made during the formal public comment period [20:25], though the committee addressed concerns raised by youth sports organizers and local media throughout the meeting.

What’s Next

• Town Meeting: Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM. See article here.

• Athletics Task Force: Will meet to discuss the legal framework for the softball advertising proposal. [56:45]

• Superintendent Evaluation: Individual member feedback is due to the Chair by May 22, 2026, ahead of the final evaluation on June 10. [01:19:54]

Source Video: Duxbury Public Schools

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The Full Story

The 2026 Duxbury Town Meeting was a marathon session focused heavily on reversing a trend of “deferred maintenance” and restoring public safety and education positions lost in previous lean budget cycles. Finance Committee Chair Betsy Sullivan set the tone early, characterizing the proposed “5B” override as a necessary, tightly focused request that represents the community’s highest priorities. [01:13:59]

Selectboard member Fernando Guitart noted that the $1.89 million request is actually smaller in real dollars than the last approved override from 1989. [01:22:16] He emphasized that the town has consistently lived within its means, but that rising costs have finally outpaced revenue growth. The override is designed to restore three full-time positions (including two in the DPW), add two patrol officers and two firefighter-paramedics, and implement universal full-day kindergarten. [01:25:38]

“We are asking now because the need is real. This town has consistently lived within its means, never asking for more than necessary.” [01:28:40] — Fernando Guitart, Selectboard Member

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danielle Klingaman delivered a compelling presentation on the “doom and gloom” facing the district following 18 position cuts in the previous fiscal year. [01:34:31] She argued that restoring two elementary teachers and a director of technology was essential for student safety and academic integrity, particularly as the district faces the expiration of federal grant funding. [01:37:10] The most debated aspect of the school budget was the shift to tuition-free, full-day kindergarten. Residents like Kip Doble argued that Duxbury is currently an outlier, as 96% of Massachusetts districts already provide the service for free. [03:19:17]

The physical condition of the town’s assets also took center stage. Voters overwhelmingly approved Article 12, a $1.75 million feasibility study for the Alden Elementary School, which was built in 1949. [05:41:20] Building Committee Chair Jon Lemieux warned that the town is currently “flying blind” on a 77-year-old building that suffers from frequent flooding and HVAC failures. [05:24:06]

While voters were largely in a supportive mood, they flexed their muscles on Article 16, rejecting a proposal to dissolve the Beach Committee. [05:53:20] Despite Town Manager René Read’s argument that professional staff now handle beach operations, residents successfully argued that citizen oversight remains vital for protecting the town’s most cherished natural resource. [05:51:24]

Another point of contention, Article 18 (Battery Energy Storage Systems), was indefinitely postponed. [06:19:34] Town officials explained that the proposed bylaw required further vetting to ensure it could withstand legal challenges from the state, which has increasingly overridden local zoning to favor green energy infrastructure. [06:12:02]

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Why It Matters

By approving the override and the school study, voters are essentially choosing to protect the "Duxbury Standard." In a town where property values and civic identity are inextricably linked to the quality of the school system and the safety of the neighborhoods, these votes are a hedge against stagnation. Restoring police and fire positions and moving toward universal full-day kindergarten isn't just about "extra" services; it's about keeping Duxbury competitive with its South Shore neighbors and ensuring that the town's infrastructure doesn't become a multi-million dollar liability for the next generation.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: Article 5A (Balanced Operating Budget of $98,335,253)

  • Vote: 337-23 ([02:46:26])

• Motion: Article 5B (Contingency/Override Budget of $1,891,916)

  • Vote: 307-73 ([03:32:18])

• Motion: Article 6 (Capital Budget of $4,319,799)

  • Outcome: Passed (Includes $1.2M for Fire Engine replacement)

  • Vote: 150-8 ([04:48:01])

• Motion: Article 12 (Alden School Feasibility Study - $1,750,000)

  • Vote: 93% Yes ([05:41:20])

• Motion: Article 16 (Dissolve Beach Committee)

  • Outcome: FAILED

  • Vote: 83 Yes, 95 No ([05:53:20])

• Motion: Article 22 (Advisory Nuclear Power Plant Moratorium)

  • Vote: 130-28 ([06:58:24])

Public Comment

• Lester Lloyd questioned the necessity of borrowing for capital items and sought clarification on kindergarten costs compared to other towns. [04:45:34]

• Colleen Brayer challenged the addition of a new Town Engineer position in the DPW budget, though the motion to remove the position eventually failed. [02:29:26]

• Mike Healey and Michael Segalini expressed concerns regarding Article 32 (Shipyard Lane Beach improvements), citing “attractive nuisance” issues and noise, though the project was ultimately approved. [07:54:15]

What’s Next

• Annual Town Election: Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This will include the final binding vote on the Proposition 2½ override. [01:00:01]

• Alden Building Committee: Will begin the RFQ process for an Owner’s Project Manager and designer following ballot approval. [05:18:41]

Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel

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The Full Story

The primary narrative of the week was defined by the sheer cost of winter. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon revealed that the town’s snow and ice removal account, originally estimated to need a $200,000 supplement, now requires $703,969 to cover the impacts of Storm Hernando. MacKinnon described the week-long blizzard as a “significant event” that cost the town over $450,000 in direct impacts alone. While the town has submitted a $1.1 million claim to FEMA for potential 75% reimbursement, officials warned that federal relief is not guaranteed and depends on whether Plymouth County and the State meet specific damage thresholds.

“This was a very expensive storm. Ridiculous. It’s crazy... the direct impacts so far have amounted to a little over $450,000.” — Mary MacKinnon, Finance Director

Infrastructure woes were compounded by news from Town Manager René Read regarding the Powderpoint Bridge. Phase 4 repairs, valued at $294,800, have been severely hampered by the cold and ice. A recent inspection discovered that a “sister pile” (51A), installed in 2021, was sheared off at the mudline by ice in the harbor. As a result, the bridge will remain closed to the public until a redesign and new repairs are completed, likely pushing the reopening to late March or early April.

Public safety was also a central theme as the Board addressed persistent speeding concerns on Tremont Street (Route 139). Resident Stan Wheatley, who has advocated for changes for nearly a year, presented the case for a 25 mph zone between Cox Corner and the Marshfield line. While the stretch did not meet the state’s “thickly settled” criteria for a full quarter-mile, the Board utilized a statutory mechanism to declare the 620-foot business district segment a 25 mph zone. The reduction, approved unanimously, serves as a “deceleration area” for vehicles entering from Marshfield.

On the personnel front, the Board approved three-year collective bargaining settlements for the Duxbury Free Library, Firefighters Association (Local 2167), and Police Union (MCOP Local 376B). The contracts generally include 2% annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and specific equity adjustments based on a recent classification study. Notably, Fire Captains will see a 10% step increase to address a pay disparity that saw them earning significantly below comparable communities.

The meetings also touched on democratic integrity. Town Clerk Susan Kelley reported a clerical error on early vote-by-mail and absentee ballots for the March 28 Town Election, where Selectboard candidates were not listed in the legally required order. Kelley assured the public that corrected ballots are being mailed and that a swift recovery effort with the Post Office successfully intercepted over 1,100 of the original 1,179 packages.

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Why It Matters

The ballooning snow and ice deficit forces the town to divert $150,000 originally intended for the Stabilization Fund to cover immediate operational costs. While Duxbury maintains a healthy $7.4 million reserve, this shift underscores the volatility of municipal budgeting in the face of extreme weather. For residents, the continued closure of the Powderpoint Bridge remains a significant inconvenience and a reminder of the town’s vulnerability to coastal elements.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: Approve the collective bargaining settlement for Duxbury Free Library Employees (SEIU Local 888) through June 30, 2028.

  • Vote: 3-0 (00:16:51)

• Motion: Approve the collective bargaining settlement for Duxbury Firefighters Association (Local 2167) through June 30, 2028.

  • Vote: 3-0 (00:25:07)

• Motion: Approve the collective bargaining settlement for Duxbury Police Union (Local 376B) through June 30, 2028.

  • Vote: 3-0 (00:30:08)

• Motion: Reduce the speed limit on Tremont Street to 25 mph within the business district segment.

  • Vote: 5-0 (01:28:31)

• Motion: Recommend Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting for supplemental snow and ice appropriations of $703,969.

  • Vote: 5-0 (02:43:15)

• Motion: Recommend a reduced contribution of $150,000 to the Stabilization Fund (Special Town Meeting Article 4).

  • Vote: 5-0 (02:43:35)

Public Comment

• Powderpoint Bridge: Peter Randall questioned the use of salvage materials in past bridge work and requested a dedicated agenda item for future options.

• Speeding: Stan and Sigred Wheatley expressed gratitude for the Board’s attention to Tremont Street but corrected the record regarding past speeding complaints, noting ongoing dialogue with police despite reports citing no calls since 2011.

What’s Next

The Annual and Special Town Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). The Selectboard will meet briefly at 8:00 a.m. that morning to finalize language on Article 18 (Battery Storage) and letters of support for state beach management bills.

Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Duxbury Selectbpard 3/6/26 and Duxbury Selectboard: 3/9/26

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The Full Story

The forum, moderated by Josh Cutler, introduced residents to the three men vying for two available seats on the Selectboard. Brian Glennon, a resident of 20 years and current board chair, highlighted his experience on the Planning Board and Open Space Committee [05:46]. Mike McGee, a 15-year prosecutor and youth coach, spoke of “leading with empathy” during his five years on the board [08:45]. Newcomer Derek Bennett, a licensed electrician who has lived in town since 2008, positioned himself as a voice for transparency and practical infrastructure management [09:59].

The $1.89 Million Question The most contentious topic of the evening was Article 5B, a proposed $1.89 million operational override that includes funding for full-day kindergarten [19:08]. Both incumbents threw their support behind the measure. Glennon admitted he did not “want” an override but argued it was essential to preserve Duxbury’s character [21:52]. McGee echoed this, noting that suburban towns are facing declining state aid while health insurance and utility costs skyrocket [24:57].

“I don’t want an override, but I think we need an override... In order to preserve the things that make Duxbury Duxbury—the bridge, the beach, the open spaces—we need to account for it through our taxes.” [21:52] — Brian Glennon

Bennett, however, voiced opposition to the override in its current form. He argued that the town should prioritize “core and essential services” like police, fire, and schools within the standard 5A budget before asking for additional funds [21:06]. He expressed concern over the compounding nature of long-term tax increases on seniors and young families [21:26].

Powder Point Bridge: Wood vs. Concrete The future of the Powder Point Bridge—the longest wooden bridge in the world and a symbol on the town seal—loomed large [41:16]. With maintenance costs reaching $300,000 annually and projected to hit $500,000, MassDOT has proposed a $172 million replacement [43:57].

Bennett called for a feasibility study to explore preserving a historic wooden structure, citing concerns that a concrete replacement might take the bridge out of commission for up to 10 years [42:21]. Glennon countered that the town cannot afford to front millions for a wooden bridge independently and noted that MassDOT’s current proposal tries to mimic the wooden aesthetic [45:13]. McGee insisted that the process is still early and that the board must continue to “push back” on the state to incorporate as much wood as possible while ensuring the bridge remains a safe right-of-way for coastal residents [48:12].

Duxbury Beach and Coastal Resiliency All three candidates identified Duxbury Beach as their “favorite place” in town [32:47], but they differed on how to manage it. McGee, a staunch advocate for increased access, lamented the loss of revenue from beach sticker sales due to state and federal bird protections [35:16]. Glennon discussed the board’s recent efforts to support legislation that would pair back state regulations on non-endangered birds to restore resident access [39:51]. Bennett emphasized the need for a strategic plan that balances “regulations and recreation” to serve all residents [37:25].

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Why It Matters

The outcome of the March 28 election and the preceding Town Meeting will determine whether Duxbury implements full-day kindergarten and how it addresses a backlog of deferred maintenance in town facilities [01:05:30]. Residents face a choice between the incumbents’ “sustain and invest” strategy and Bennett’s “scrutinize and prioritize” platform. Furthermore, the decision on the Powder Point Bridge replacement involves balancing a $172 million state-funded project against the potential loss of a historic wooden landmark that defines the town’s identity [41:34].

Official Minutes & Data

Key Candidate Positions

• Topic: $1.89M Operational Override

  • Brian Glennon: Supports. Argues it is necessary for town character and services. [21:48]

  • Mike McGee: Supports. Points to rising health insurance and utility costs. [24:48]

  • Derek Bennett: Opposed. Wants core services funded in the base budget first. [20:45]

• Topic: Alden School Feasibility Study

  • Brian Glennon: Supports. Notes long-standing maintenance issues at the school. [23:40]

  • Mike McGee: Supports. Argues $52/year for three years is worth knowing the options. [27:14]

  • Derek Bennett: Expressed general concern over reactive maintenance vs. proactive planning. [01:03:26]

• Topic: Powder Point Bridge Replacement

  • Brian Glennon: Open to alternatives but leans toward the MassDOT proposal for financial reasons. [45:13]

  • Mike McGee: Encourages more public input; wants to push MassDOT for more wood. [48:12]

  • Derek Bennett: Favors a feasibility study for wooden preservation and historic status. [42:21]

Public Comment & Q&A

• Trust in Government: Residents asked how candidates would build trust. Glennon and Bennett both emphasized the need to modernize the town’s website to make documents and information more accessible [01:17:32], [01:19:31].

• Needs vs. Wants: A question from the audience highlighted Duxbury’s “New England bind” of aging infrastructure and a limited commercial tax base. Glennon noted that 90% of the budget is consumed by public safety, schools, and benefits, leaving little room for “wants” [01:36:31].

What’s Next

• Annual Town Meeting: Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM (Duxbury PAC) [03:09].

• Annual Town Election: Saturday, March 28, 2026. Polls open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM at the Timothy Steele Athletic Building [03:15].

Source Video: Duxbury Free Library / Duxbury Cable Access

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The Full Story

The forum served as a deep dive into Article 5B (the override) and Article 12 (the Alden School study) ahead of the March 14 Town Meeting. Selectboard member Fernando Guitart opened the presentation by acknowledging the “devastating” impact of last year’s failed override, which led to the elimination of 24 school positions. He noted that while the 2025 request sought $5.8 million, the current $1.89 million ask is 67% lower and focuses strictly on essential personnel.

“We’ve been able to live within the 2.5% [limit] since 1989, but events have overtaken us. Costs have risen more than the limit... we have no choice.” — Fernando Guitart [05:12]

Public Safety and Town Operations Guitart explained that the town is struggling against a “fiscal cliff” where costs for utilities, insurance, and materials have risen far beyond the 2.5% tax limit. The override would fund two new patrol officers and two firefighters/paramedics. Guitart highlighted that the fire department’s average response time is currently five minutes, but adding these positions would help reach the “gold standard” of four minutes and significantly reduce the department’s reliance on expensive overtime and “call-backs” of off-duty staff. Other town positions include an assistant director for beach operations and restored DPW and administrative staff.

The Classroom Crisis Superintendent Dr. Danielle Klingaman reported that Duxbury schools are “stretching the limit” of manageable class sizes. Following the 2025 cuts, some elementary classrooms reached 24 or 25 students, making individualized attention difficult. The override would restore two elementary teachers to maintain 10 sections per grade at Chandler and Alden, and fund a director of instructional technology to manage cybersecurity and curriculum software. Crucially, the budget includes the implementation of universal free full-day kindergarten, eliminating the current $3,000 annual fee charged to families.

Alden School: A Building “In Reactive Mode” The second half of the forum focused on the 80-year-old Alden Elementary School. Klingaman described a recent incident during a blizzard where the building lost heat for four days, causing heating coils to freeze and burst once power was restored. “We are more in a reactive mode... as opposed to being able to proactively plan,” Klingaman said, noting that the building currently relies on buckets to catch leaks during windy rainstorms.

The $1.75 million feasibility study (Article 12) is the first step toward a potential renovation or rebuild. The town is currently in the “MSBA pipeline,” making it eligible for a 35% reimbursement from the state—an opportunity that Klingaman warned would disappear if voters do not approve the study this month.

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Why It Matters

For the average Duxbury homeowner with a property valued at $1.3 million, the override would cost approximately $325 per year. The Alden School study adds a temporary $65 annual cost for three years. Officials argue these investments are necessary to stop the cycle of “emergency repairs” and staffing glitches that have begun to impact student schedules and public safety response times.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Financial Figures

• Override Amount: $1,890,000 (Article 5B)

• Public Safety/Schools Allocation: 74% of the override total

• Average Tax Impact: $325/year for the override; $65/year (for 3 years) for the school study

• State Reimbursement: ~35% of the Alden Study cost is eligible via the MSBA

Proposed Restorations

• Police: 2 Patrol Officers

• Fire: 2 Firefighter/Paramedics

• Schools: 2 Elementary Teachers, 1 Director of Instructional Tech, Free Full-Day Kindergarten

• Operations: Beach Operations Assistant Director, DPW staff, HR and Admin support

Public Comment Themes

• Technology Transition: One resident questioned why the district moved from MacBooks to Chromebooks; Dr. Klingaman cited cost-effectiveness and compatibility with online MCAS testing.

• Building “Mashing”: Concerns were raised about “mashing” parts together to fix 80-year-old boilers at Alden; facilities staff confirmed they are currently managing eight boilers in various states of disrepair.

What’s Next

• Annual Town Meeting: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00 AM (Duxbury PAC)

• Early Voting Begins: March 16, 2026, at Town Hall

• Town Election Day: Saturday, March 28, 2026 (Steel Athletic Center)

Source Video: Duxbury Free Library / Duxbury Cable Access

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