DUXBURY - February 4, 2026 - The Duxbury Selectboard finalized two major ballot questions for the upcoming March 28 election, approving a $1.89 million operating override and a feasibility study for the aging Alden School. These decisions followed intense debate over town fiscal priorities, the necessity of full-day kindergarten, and the long-term sustainability of the town’s budget.
The Full Story
The Selectboard’s primary focus was determining the exact language and financial impact of the proposed operating override and the Alden School feasibility study. After reviewing several options for the override, the board ultimately voted 5-0 to seek a “lean” $1,891,916 assessed additional tax, opting for “Option 1” which includes zero additional excess levy capacity. This decision aims to make the override more palatable to voters after a similar request failed the previous year.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Alden School feasibility study, estimated at $1.75 million. Jon Lemieux, Chair of the Alden School Building Committee, and Finance Director Mary MacKinnon explained that the town is eligible for a 38% reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). They emphasized that failing to pass the ballot question would jeopardize this state funding and force the town to bear the full cost of future repairs to the 80-year-old facility, which currently suffers from systemic water infiltration and disrepair.
“Learning environments cannot function optimally when bucket brigades are a standing operating procedure.” — Jen Burns, Duxbury Teacher and Resident [01:04:18]
The board also grappled with the inclusion of $450,000 for full-day kindergarten in the override budget. While some members expressed concern about adding new costs to a critical override, School Superintendent Danielle Klingaman and community members argued that Duxbury is one of the few remaining districts in the state that still charges families tuition for the program, calling it “essential” for modern education.
Why It Matters
The outcome of these ballot questions will directly impact every Duxbury resident’s tax bill and the quality of local municipal services. The $1.89 million override is designed to restore 4.4 staff positions previously lost and fund essential public safety and DPW operations. Meanwhile, the Alden School project represents the first step in a multi-year effort to address critical infrastructure failures in the town’s school system.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To add the Alden School feasibility study ballot question to the annual town election on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:09:27])
Motion: To add a $1,891,916 levy limit override ballot question to the annual town election.
Vote: 5-0 ([02:03:08])
Motion: To approve the reconstruction of removable deck stairs at 31 Ocean Road North.
Vote: 5-0 ([32:48])
Motion: To support and recommend Article 29 for the DeLorenzo Barn construction with CPC funds ($92,000).
Vote: 5-0 ([03:13:58])
Public Comment
Residents and staff provided emotional and technical testimony regarding the deteriorating state of the Alden School, including reports of students slipping in hallways due to water seepage. Other comments focused on the danger of speed limits on Tremont Street and the historical value of murals (previously described as “wallpaper”) at the King Caesar House.
What’s Next
The Selectboard will meet again on Monday, February 9, 2026, to finalize any remaining warrant recommendations before the town meeting deadline. The Annual Town Election is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel