The Duxbury School Committee opened their January 7 meeting by addressing the logistical and emotional needs of the student body, starting with the approval of two major high school trips. Student Council advisor Stacy O'Brien Murphy presented plans for 16 students to attend the Massachusetts Student Council conference in Hyannis, noting that the delegation often sees students win positions on the state board. Shortly after, Music Department Head Joel Norberg introduced the recurring Disney music trip for 2027, explaining the rigorous performance schedule students face. Every four years, the Disney trip. Here we are again, Norberg said, highlighting that the students are treated like Disney employees for the day to learn the professional pace of the industry. Motion Made by Matt Gambino to approve the MASC trip was followed by a Vote Passed 5-0. A subsequent Motion Made by Kathryn Marshall to accept the Disney trip for March of 2027 resulted in a Vote Passed 5-0.

Guidance Director Lisa Dumbowski provided a comprehensive update on the shifting landscape of college admissions, noting that AI is now a significant factor as institutions use it to scan essays and recalculate grade point averages. Dumbowski emphasized the importance of trade pathways, observing that many students are now entering the workforce directly with tangible skills. Regarding the district's social-emotional health, Dumbowski shared data from the new DESA universal screener, which showed that 46% of students self-identified as having significant strengths in areas like self-management and optimistic thinking. However, the committee also spent time discussing the 5% of students identified as needing more targeted instruction. I wanted to potentially discuss the student use of technology in school, Kathryn Marshall noted during the consent agenda, with Jen Weedon adding, I think it's one of those we always have to discuss it. We’re going to have to bring it back with AI.

Special Education Director BJ Turner delivered a detailed entry plan update, correcting previously inaccurate "radar" data from the state that had misrepresented Duxbury’s student disability percentages. Turner addressed concerns regarding the identification of autism, explaining that internal data shows about 15.5% of students on IEPs have an autism classification, which is closer to the state average than previously thought. Turner also touched on the workload of special education teachers, stating, I want to make it more meaningful and more manageable for our special education staff. The conversation shifted toward school facilities when the committee discussed the upcoming feasibility study for Alden School. Kathryn Marshall observed, The catch-22 is that you have to get the feasibility study through to be able to get optics into what it takes to actually do the big project. Laurel Deacon inquired about the funding for extracurriculars, noting, It’s been asked if, aside from you guys, if any operational funds are ever used for field trips and whatnot. And they’re not. It’s all fundraising from you.

The meeting grew tense as the committee discussed the fallout from their December 10 budget vote, which passed 3-2. Chair Kellie Bresnehan reported that members of the Finance Committee and Selectboard expressed hesitation in supporting the school budget because it lacked a unanimous vote. The public perception is that our 3-2 vote is problematic, Bresnehan said. Vice Chair Matt Gambino pushed back against the pressure for unanimity, stating, I’m not an expert, but that’s not their job to grapple with the mix of how we voted. Their job is to recommend a budget to the town. The committee members agreed that a split vote is a sign of a healthy democratic process and vowed to continue advocating for the $44.3 million budget. To address these concerns, the committee scheduled a special budget communication workshop. Motion Made by Matt Gambino to approve the consent agenda earlier in the evening had Vote Passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.