DUXBURY - February 9, 2026 - The Duxbury Selectboard moved forward with a critical $1.75 million article for the Alden School feasibility study and schematic design, despite sharp concerns from residents regarding the town’s long-term debt and the project’s high entry cost. The board ultimately voted 5-0 to recommend the article for the March 14 Annual Town Meeting, framing it as a necessary step to secure up to 38% in state reimbursement while warning that the “do nothing” option remains on the table.
The Full Story
The meeting, which stretched late into the evening, centered on the town’s capital needs and the looming decision regarding the aging Alden School. Superintendent Danielle Klingaman and Alden School Building Committee Chair John Lemieux presented the feasibility study, explaining that the $1.75 million price tag is a mandatory requirement by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to remain in their funding pipeline.
Lemieux, who brings professional experience as an owner’s project manager, clarified that the study is not just an evaluation but includes a “schematic design” that takes the project to a 20% completion stage. This process will explore all options, including “just fixing” the current structure, full renovation, or new construction. The committee emphasized that the town is currently in an “eligibility phase” and must show a financial commitment now or risk losing their spot in the MSBA program, which could delay any potential state-funded project by years.
“The deal going through all of this and going through a schematic design is the cost of the 38% [reimbursement]... I want a well-baked answer, someone who’s really going to dig into this so that we can come to you with 10 or 12 things and funnel it down.” — John Lemieux, Chair of the Alden School Building Committee [YouTube 03:36:41]
The proposal met with resistance from resident Sheila Lynch-Benttinen, who questioned why Duxbury’s feasibility study cost significantly more than nearby middle school projects. She cautioned that the project signals a “big ask” for a new $160 million to $180 million school, which she argued would be a “dangerous road” for a town where 40% of residents are seniors on fixed budgets. [YouTube 03:15:54] Lemieux countered that 2026 costs are significantly higher than older data points and that the study protects the town by providing a well-vetted, single recommendation before any final construction vote occurs in 18 to 24 months. [YouTube 03:10:05]
Beyond the school, the Board navigated a dense $3 million capital budget (Article 6). Significant items included:
Infrastructure and Safety: An $881,000 fuel depot replacement and $435,000 for emergency HVAC repairs at the fire station. [YouTube 02:23:06] Facilities Director Katie St. Clair explained the HVAC system at the relatively new station (built in 2013) failed prematurely due to a lack of past maintenance, a cycle she intends to break with new preventive protocols. [YouTube 02:06:48]
Public Safety Fleet: A $1.2 million borrowing authorization for a new fire engine (with a four-year delivery backlog) and $186,000 for two new Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles. [YouTube 02:15:41]
Technology: A $900,000 combined request for town and school computer replacements, necessitated by the end of life for Windows 10. [YouTube 01:55:41]
The Board also ratified a ballot question for the March election that would exempt the Alden School feasibility bonds from the provisions of Proposition 2½.
Why It Matters
For residents, this meeting sets the stage for a high-stakes Town Meeting in March. The $1.75 million feasibility study represents a $52 annual tax increase for the average homeowner over a three-year period. While it is not a vote for a new building, it is the essential “entry fee” for state partnership. Concurrently, the capital budget addresses critical infrastructure failures, such as the fire station’s HVAC, highlighting a shift toward more expensive, proactive maintenance to protect taxpayer investments in town-owned facilities.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To recommend approval of Article 6 (Capital Budget).
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Motion: To recommend approval of Article 12 (Alden School Feasibility Study).
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Motion: To approve water abatements for 21 Ocean Road South and 512 Lincoln Street, totaling $24,416.50.
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Motion: To recommend Article 31 (Polly’s Pond Restoration).
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Public Comment
Bri Leing: Inquired about a potential pay freeze for town management until the town reaches an operating budget. [YouTube 01:18:16]
Sheila Lynch-Benttinen: Voiced strong opposition to the Alden School feasibility study cost and potential downstream debt. [YouTube 03:10:55]
What’s Next
Public Meeting: MassDOT listening session on the Powderpoint Bridge replacement was scheduled for February 11, 2026.
Alden School Tour: A public walkthrough of the Alden School was scheduled for February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel