WMA proposes annual gifts to fund capital projects

June 30, 2016 | Chris Goudreau
cgoudreau@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM – Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s (WMA) Head of School Brian Easler proposed making annual restricted cash gifts to the town.

Easler told the Board of Selectmen during its June 27 meeting the money would be donated to pay for capital projects in the community.

“An idea grew out of the last Town Meeting … Through the course of the meeting I saw the capital project’s budget presentation and the fact that the town has to buy a ladder truck in 2018. So I started thinking this might be an opportunity for the school and the town to work together in a way that would benefit both,” Easler said.

He added he’s discussed the idea with WMA’s Board of Directors, which is in favor of the proposal.

“It’s something that we would like to do here in Wilbraham,” Easler said. “What we’re not proposing is that we would dream up new projects that we would fund that the town doesn’t already have on the plan.”

Easler said he believes donating funds to the town capital project could help the “bottom line” of the town in a meaningful way, which would also benefit the school such as by funding emergency services projects.

He added there would be a “degree of uncertainty” about the size of the cash gifts and whether they would be given to the town year after year. However, if approved WMA would likely donate $15,000 to $20,000 during the first year.

“We are having the same challenges the local school districts are having and all of our competitor [private] schools with enrollment,” he explained. “I would characterize us as healthy, but not strong. We’ve been making some financial changes at the school. We’re taking a different tact with some of our expenses, which is allowing us a little extra revenue.”

Easler said the school has a “considerable amount of deferred maintenance,” which it must address.

Currently, WMA is installing a new roof on Rich Hall, which he considers “40 years overdue.”

Selectman Robert Russell thanked Easler, calling the proposal an “awesome gesture.”

He said the Fire Department currently has a ladder truck from the early 1980s and funding for a new one has been postponed throughout the years.

“I don’t want to see the Academy be put out either because you guys are great neighbors,” Russell noted.

Easler responded by stating he believes the proposal is a way to continue the positive relations between WMA and the town, but “in a way we haven’t in the past.”

Board of Selectmen Chair Susan Bunnell tabled a motion to accept the proposal, noting, “We look forward to moving this [forward].”
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