The Duxbury Education Foundation (DEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of our students by funding innovative and creative programs that fall outside the standard school budget. At our last School Committee meeting, DEF President Sherri Hussar and Vice President Colin Longval delivered their annual report and shared a slew of new and exciting community-funded projects.

The numbers tell a story of massive impact. This year alone, the DEF injected nearly $70,000 in grants into our schools. While our taxpayer-funded budget covers the essentials, the DEF funds a margin of excellence that a standard operating budget often can’t reach.

Real Impact

Here is how that $70k is coming to life across the district right now:

• Modernizing the PAC: The Performing Arts Center audio system is getting a major overhaul. This is a game-changer for student performers, musicians, and the community members who use this space for everything from school plays to town-wide events.
• Sensory Wellness & Inclusion: Lucia Vonella, a DHS Junior, presented her grant for a new sensory space in the High School library. Complete with hanging chairs, a zen sand garden, and neutral colors, Lucia explained that the space is already being used by students as a critical spot to take a moment and breathe.
• Play & Literacy: Volunteers are installing a brand-new disc golf course this weekend! Additionally, funding went toward new non-fiction book crates to keep library resources engaging and aligned with the new reading curriculum.
• Business & Career Readiness: Harper Weekly, a DHS Senior, shared how a DEF grant covered transportation fees for the DECA business club. By making these conferences accessible to all students, the DEF is helping students develop public speaking and interview skills that prepare them for life after graduation.
• Supporting Every Learner: Our Special Education department is receiving flexible seating and sensory tools. These resources help our youngest students regulate and focus so they can succeed in the classroom.

Sustainable Leadership

Beyond the financial support, I want to highlight the DEF’s impressive operational model. During the presentation, Sherri and Colin shared the organization’s “Learn, Run, Mentor” three-year volunteer cycle. It’s a model for sustainable leadership that we should emulate in other town committees. New members spend a year learning the ropes, a year leading the charge, and a final year mentoring their successors.

This is what community support looks like at its best: residents and students coming together to provide the tools our kids need to excel.

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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.