SCHOOL GIFT

Brimmer Announces Largest Gift in the History of the School

$5,000,000 donated in support of faculty salaries and teaching excellence

by Elizabeth Smith, Director of Development

We are pleased to announce that this summer we received a donation of $5,000,000 designated for increasing faculty salaries and rewarding excellence in teaching. This transformational gift is the largest single donation in the history of the School. This impactful gift will both reward teaching innovation and excellence as well as increase our ability to retain our valuable faculty over time.

“Our faculty is the heart and soul of a Brimmer education,” says Head of School Judy Guild. “I am humbled and grateful for this generous gift that will help us compensate, retain, and reward our faculty at a level that is worthy of their talents.”

In late April of 2020, the Board of Trustees released Brimmer’s Strategic Priorities 2020 and Beyond as a road map for the next fie years. These priorities are the result of a multi-year process that began with the opening of the Hastings Center in 2017 and reflct input from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) as well as Brimmer’s many constituencies, including administration, faculty, the Board of Trustees, and the greater parent and alumni community.

During the strategic planning process, four key priorities rose to the surface: (1) enhance the academic program while maintaining our distinct culture and educational philosophy; (2) improve athletic, wellness, and play facilities in accordance with our mission and size; (3) support and enrich our faculty through competitive compensation, commitment to diversity, and professional development; and (4) provide appropriate resources to deliver on all aspects of our mission. A gift of this magnitude for faculty compensation is a dream come true ’’

The $5 million gift, together with a plan to obtain an additional $1 million in future donations for the same purpose, ensures that the third priority will be fulfilled and provides Brimmer with a strong start toward fulfilling the fourth priority as well. This gift will create for the School.” says Board Chair an Endowment for Faculty Salaries and Teaching Excellence initially funded with $4.5 million and will designate David Kreisler $500,000 as funds for current use during the next two academic school years. Of the current use amount, $200,000 will be used to increase faculty salaries each year where it is most needed, $25,000 will be set aside each year for stipends to reward faculty innovation and curriculum design, and an additional $25,000 will be set aside each year for faculty retention through our Faculty Longevity Program.

During the first two years, when the current use funds are being spent, the Endowment will be invested for growth. Thereafter, the Endowment will be used in perpetuity for the same purposes. Brimmer will raise an additional $1 million to supplement the Endowment for Faculty Salaries and Teaching Excellence to ensure continued growth over time.

“A gift of this magnitude for faculty compensation is a dream come true for the School,” says Board Chair David Kreisler. “The Endowment and the income generated over time will ensure that Brimmer can retain and reward its outstanding faculty, without putting pressure on other parts of the budget, for years to come.” ■