Duxbury School Committee Defends Split Budget Vote Amidst Override Concerns
Special Ed “Overhaul” Planned
DUXBURY - January 7, 2026 - The Duxbury School Committee held a tense discussion Wednesday night regarding the fallout from their December 3-2 split vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. With the Finance Committee declining to recommend a school budget number just weeks before Town Meeting, School Committee members pushed back against political pressure to present a “unanimous front,” arguing that robust debate is a strength, not a weakness. Meanwhile, new Special Education Director BJ McNamara presented a comprehensive 100-day analysis, revealing that Duxbury identifies students with autism at a lower rate than the state average and outlining a major shift toward co-teaching models.
The Full Story
Budget Friction and the “Optics” of Unity The meeting concluded with a pointed discussion about the FY27 budget process. The School Committee previously voted 3-2 to approve a budget request representing a 4.83% increase. Chair Kellie Bresnehan reported that the Finance Committee (FinCom) and Select Board are struggling to support the school budget, citing the lack of a unanimous vote as “problematic” and a cause for “community concerns”.
Committee member Jen Weedon strongly rejected the notion that members should vote unanimously for the sake of appearances.
“The goal isn’t to vote unanimously because of optics... If we decide to say, let’s not share, let’s not vote based on facts, data, our perspectives... that’s not a place that I, I mean, I would have to reconsider like how I spend my time.” — Jen Weedon [3:03:34]
Weedon disclosed that she had been pressured by another town committee member to change her vote due to “optics and what people think of me”. The Committee agreed to hold an emergency workshop on January 16 and a public advocacy session on January 23 to better communicate the necessity of the override budget to taxpayers. Superintendent Dr. Danielle Klingaman noted the high stakes, warning, “We’re going to be in another year where an override doesn’t pass... because of silly reasons that shouldn’t be happening”.
Special Education: A Shift to Co-Teaching In a significant presentation, Special Education Director BJ McNamara shared findings from his first 100 days. He highlighted a discrepancy in identification rates: while the state average for students with an autism disability type is 17.3%, Duxbury sits at approximately 15.5% (combining primary and secondary disability types). He suggested that “myths” regarding the need for a medical diagnosis might be suppressing accurate educational identification.
McNamara also addressed staff burnout. While Duxbury’s average caseloads (11-13 students per teacher) appear favorable compared to the collaborative average of 20, teachers report feeling “overwhelmed”. He attributed this to the complexity of the current workload and a lack of consistent, evidence-based instructional models. His recommendation is a decisive move toward “Little p programming”—specifically, strengthening the co-teaching model where special educators provide “Specially Designed Instruction” (SDI) alongside general education teachers, rather than pulling students out for remedial work.
School Improvement & Financials
Chandler Attendance: Principal Erin Wiesehahn reported that 36 students are currently on track to be “chronically absent” (missing 10%+ of school). The school is implementing personalized attendance plans for these families.
Alden Building Project: The committee discussed the need for a debt exclusion vote to fund a feasibility study for the aging Alden School. The study is crucial to determine if the town should renovate, rebuild, or simply repair the 1949 structure.
Q1 Financials: Director of Business and Finance Lisa Freeley reported the district has spent 15.41% of its FY26 budget as of September 30, which is on track. She flagged out-of-district tuition and transportation as areas of “volatility” to watch.
Why It Matters
The friction between the School Committee and the Finance Committee signals a rocky road ahead for the March Town Meeting and potential override vote. For parents of students with disabilities, the Director’s report forecasts a change in how services are delivered: expect fewer “pull-out” sessions and a more rigorous focus on integrated co-teaching and grade-level standards.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda (Minutes and Warrants).
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To approve the MASC (Mass. Association of Student Councils) overnight trip to Hyannis.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To accept the Disney Music Trip for March 2027.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To adjourn.
Vote: Unanimous
Public Comment
No public comment was recorded during this session.
What’s Next
Friday, Jan 16 @ 11:15 AM: School Committee Workshop to develop a budget communication plan.
Friday, Jan 23 @ 7:00 PM: Public Budget Advocacy Session at the Library (date/time tentative based on discussion).
Tuesday, Jan 13: Finance Committee meeting where the final school budget number may be voted on.