Public service is a responsibility I take seriously. As an elected member of the Duxbury School Committee, I swore an oath to uphold Massachusetts law and Duxbury’s bylaws—an obligation that guides every decision I make. Recently, I’ve heard concerns about how our meetings compare to those of other boards in Duxbury, particularly regarding transparency and public participation. I’d like to address those concerns directly.

Transparency Is a Priority

The Duxbury School Committee is required to follow Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (OML), which ensures that our deliberations are conducted in the open. Unlike some other boards, SC members must operate within strict legal guidelines that govern how we share information. That’s why all meeting packets are posted online in advance, providing the community with full access to the same materials we review. This level of transparency is not just a best practice—it’s a legal requirement that the committee is expected to uphold diligently.

Public Meetings vs. Meetings Held in Public

A common misconception is that SC meetings are meant to function as town halls, where ongoing dialog between officials and residents shapes decisions in real time. In reality, SC meetings are business meetings held in public. We conduct the necessary work of governing the school district while ensuring the public can observe and participate in designated ways, such as during public comment periods. This format is not designed to exclude residents, but rather to ensure that deliberations remain legally sound and effective.

Encouraging Public Engagement

Public participation is table stakes for effective governance, and the Duxbury School Committee actively encourages it. Residents are welcome to speak during designated public comment times, email committee members, and attend forums where broader discussions take place. What’s more, residents may request to make presentations in SC meetings, so that relevant topics can be placed onto agendas, allowing members to engage in back-and-forth dialog during those meetings.

While some boards incorporate public comment throughout their meetings, the SC operates under a model that ensures compliance with state regulations while maintaining efficiency.

A Commitment to Open Dialog

I firmly believe that governance should be accessible and transparent. That’s why I make myself available to residents through meetings, emails, and direct conversations.

If you have thoughts on how the Duxbury School Committee can better serve our residents, I urge you to reach out. Constructive dialog strengthens our schools and our community.

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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.