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Duxbury superintendent warns level-funded budget would increase class sizes, reduce student supports
Summary
Danielle Klingemann, superintendent of Duxbury Public Schools, said during public comment that a level-funded school budget would force larger class sizes, fewer interventionists, reduced access to full-day kindergarten and fewer administrators, citing rising student mental-health needs and teacher shortages in Massachusetts.
Danielle Klingemann, superintendent of Duxbury Public Schools, told a public meeting in Duxbury that a level-funded school budget would force larger class sizes and reduce support services for students.
Klingemann said rising student mental-health needs, post-pandemic intervention requirements, gaps in curriculum materials and teacher pay below market are driving education costs. She warned a flat budget would leave the district unable to maintain current class sizes, interventions and administrative support.
"Students of today are very different than when many of us went to school in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even in the early 2000s. We have seen a significant increase in student anxiety and depression as well as with attentional issues likely due to increased screen time and social media pressures," Klingemann said.
She said the district has expanded interventions and prioritized smaller classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Post pandemic we have had to emphasize smaller class size and add additional intervention opportunities for all students. We also need to ensure that our students have access to high quality curriculum and instructional materials which we have not had in place in recent years. And this directly impacts our student achievement outcomes," Klingemann said.
Klingemann said teacher compensation is below market averages and that the district — and the state — faces staffing shortages. "Our research has shown that teachers are not being compensated within the market average. On top of that, we are facing significant teacher shortages here in Massachusetts," she said.
She said the immediate impact of a level-funded budget would be concrete reductions in services: "The level funded budget is going to place our school department at a significant disadvantage with larger class size, fewer interventionists, and inequitable access to full day kindergarten. We will also have fewer administrators and support staff. These positions are essential for smooth and efficient school operations and for maintaining high expectations for our students."
Klingemann closed her remarks by thanking the audience and inviting follow-up questions. "Thank you for your time and please reach out if you have any questions," she said.
