Duxbury Schools on Track Mid-Year as Committee Tackles Strategic Planning and Facilities Goals
DUXBURY - February 10, 2026 - The Duxbury School Committee reviewed a healthy second-quarter financial report showing the district has utilized 45.1% of its $44.3 million budget at the fiscal year’s midpoint. While officials are monitoring overages in technology staffing and utility costs due to winter weather, Superintendent Danielle Klingaman reported significant progress on the Alden School building project and the development of the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
The Full Story
Business Manager Lisa Freeley presented the Quarter 2 financial report, noting that the district is exactly where it should be at the halfway mark [27:13]. Salaries remain the largest expense, with approximately 96% of the salary budget already committed [29:43]. However, the administration cost center is seeing a projected overage of approximately $20,119 due to leaves of absence in the technology department and the need for additional hourly support to maintain help desk services [30:12]. Additionally, the “Fixed Charges” line is projected to be over by $42,000 due to employee separation costs from six known retirements [30:18].
Superintendent Dr. Danielle Klingaman provided updates on her mid-year goals, highlighting the Alden School Building Project. The district has completed all deliverables for the MSBA eligibility period and is awaiting a response on a 30-day extension request to align with the March Town Meeting [49:30]. To engage the community, the district will hold Alden building tours on February 23rd at 6:00 PM, ahead of the scheduled budget forum at the library [46:37].
“It’s been an incredibly busy year. We have four major initiatives occurring simultaneously: our 2026 to 2029 strategic plan development, the Unit A teacher negotiation, the budget and override process, and the Alden school building project eligibility phase.” — Superintendent Danielle Klingaman
The committee engaged in a robust discussion regarding the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. Members expressed concerns that the data provided by consultants TLA was too generic and lacked deep analysis specific to Duxbury [01:13:30]. Member Jen Weedon noted that the themes presented so far felt “tactical and fairly generic” rather than addressing core strategic issues like technology pedagogy [01:23:06]. The committee agreed to invite TLA to the March 11th meeting to ensure the process yields a plan unique to the district’s needs.
Why It Matters
For Duxbury residents, the financial report confirms that the schools are operating within the appropriation approved at Town Meeting, despite rising utility and maintenance costs in aging facilities. The upcoming February 23rd building tours and budget forum offer a critical opportunity for taxpayers to see firsthand the “problem areas” in the Alden School before being asked to fund future feasibility studies and designs.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, the 2026-27 school calendar, and warrants.
Vote: 5-0 ([20:18])
Motion: To support and endorse the Duxbury Rotary Peace Pledge.
"Education thrives when students feel a sense of trust and peace, and this designation reinforces our unwavering commitment to those principles." — Student Representative, affirming the Duxbury Rotary Peace Pledge [23:45].
Vote: 5-0 ([25:05])
Motion: To approve the DECA overnight trip to the Boston Seaport for three nights.
Vote: 5-0 ([25:52])
Public Comment
No members of the public offered comment during the designated period [19:32].
What’s Next
Alden School Tours: February 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Alden School [46:42].
Budget Forum: February 23, 2026, at the Duxbury Free Library following the tours [01:35:50].
Next School Committee Meeting: March 11, 2026, featuring a Strategic Plan update with TLA [01:35:01].
Source Video: Duxbury Public Schools: School Committee Meeting