To the Editor:

I am writing to offer a clarification on the reporting of my comments from the September 8th joint budget meeting, as featured in this week’s Duxbury Clipper.

The article stated that I “didn’t think that a three percent increase would cover the statutory mandated costs.” While this captures the general subject, the sentiment is not quite accurate. My role on the committee is to ask questions, not to jump to conclusions.

For the record, my actual question to the Finance Director and the joint committees was: “how do we know that 3% even covers the fixed and mandated costs without necessitating further cuts to staff and other school services?”

The distinction is subtle but important. My comment was not a statement of belief, but an open question intended to kick-start the analytical process that our superintendent, the school administration, and the committee must now undertake. The goal is to determine, with data, what it will actually cost to deliver level services for our schools. That work has just begun.

I look forward to the collaborative process ahead with my colleagues on the School Committee and the Finance Committee as we build the FY27 budget.

Sincerely,

Matt Gambino

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Note: The views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the Duxbury School Committee. For official information about Duxbury Public Schools and the Duxbury School Committee, please visit duxbury.k12.ma.us.