Duxbury School Committee members navigated a tense and emotional session on Wednesday, eventually moving to approve a $46,474,501 budget for fiscal year 2027. The proposed plan, which represents a 4.83% increase over the current year, aims to restore approximately 4.4 full-time equivalent positions and absorb the cost of universal full-day kindergarten. Chair Kellie Bresnehan opened the hearing by reading poignant accounts from local educators to illustrate the current strain on school resources, stating, This is my last budget hearing, so bear with me. But I think we're at a really critical point. The budget seeks to stabilize the district following the 19 staff positions lost after last year’s failed override, focusing on maintaining class sizes and rebuilding core infrastructure.

The meeting revealed significant philosophical divides among committee members regarding spending priorities in a constrained fiscal environment. Jen Weedon expressed deep reservations about the allocation of funds, arguing that the proposal lacked sufficient data to prove its alignment with the district's strategic mission. At this juncture I can't explain to our community, which includes the educators in this room, how this recommended budget advances equitable outcomes for all students, Weedon said, eventually casting several dissenting votes. Meanwhile, Kathryn Marshall raised concerns about the nearly $400,000 cost of absorbing full-day kindergarten tuition this year. Marshall noted, I just really worry that we're going to get hung up on kindergarten and the narrative... I just really struggle with that, suggesting that those funds might be better used for existing staff or facility maintenance.

Advocacy for the budget remained strong among other members who viewed the funding as a basic necessity for educational quality. Laurel Deacon pushed back against the idea of delaying universal kindergarten, asserting, If we believe that kindergarten, full day kindergarten is necessary for our public education system students to be successful in first grade, I do not understand how we can charge tuition. This sentiment was echoed by resident Jay Zisk during public comment, who highlighted the developmental importance of the full school day. Zisk told the committee, Our kids need this; they need the curricular experience in the classroom, but they need everything else that full day kindergarten provides. Matt Gambino also pressed the administration for better metrics on special education, which accounts for 20% of the budget, stating, It would be nice to I think have a clearer perspective on what's going on with special education so that we can measure it a little bit better to make these decisions.

Motion Made by Matt Gambino to approve administration in the amount of 1,411,318. Vote Passed 4-1 (Jen Weedon Nay). Motion Made by Matt Gambino to approve curriculum and instruction cost center in the amount of 35,096,155. Vote Passed 3-2 (Jen Weedon and Kathryn Marshall Nay). Motion Made by Matt Gambino to approve cost center 3000 other school services in the amount of 4,159,491. Vote Passed 4-1 (Jen Weedon Nay). Motion Made by Kathryn Marshall to approve cost center 4,000 in the amount of 3,802,886. Vote Passed 5-0. Motion Made by Kathryn Marshall to approve cost center 5,000 in the amount of 58,000. Vote Passed 5-0. Motion Made by Laurel Deacon to approve cost center 9,000 in the amount of 1,137,452. Vote Passed 4-0. Following the individual center votes, the committee moved to finalize the total request. Motion Made by Kellie Bresnehan to vote the grand total number for the budget of 46,474,501. Vote Passed 3-2 (Jen Weedon and Kathryn Marshall Nay).

The meeting concluded with the approval of an upcoming overnight trip for the high school DECA conference, presented by the club's advisor who highlighted the real-world financial literacy skills students gain through the program. Motion Made by Matt Gambino to approve the overnight trip for the DECA conference. Vote Passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM.