by brian p. easler Head of School
perspectives
Moving forward: ‘Community will benefit . . . much sooner than we originally thought.’ I wonder how many people imagined , when they
Read the Head of School’s page at www.wma.us/hos
read the Spring ’18 Academy World magazine and the details about the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Facilities Master Plan, that we would be able to begin moving forward with our plans … this spring. That is, however, exactly what we are doing. This is a remarkable step for WMA, and one that sets the pace and focus of our efforts as we build upon the foundation of our future. It is certainly an exciting time to be at the Academy, and that was especially true at the April meeting of the Board of Trustees. In discussion about the Master Plan and the beginning steps necessary to make it happen, the focus fell on several generous and early gifts and pledges toward the effort. It was at that moment when several trustees asked a pivotal question, “Why wait?” In a resulting brainstorm of exciting ideas and revelations, we decided not to wait. With the gifts and commitments we already have in hand, we have the ability to begin now, with the first project in the Master Plan priorities. This project— a new library—will unlock the path for us to engage, once we are ready, with the first phase of the Master Plan. We will continue to build on the momentum we have created as we simultaneously plan and prepare for a more comprehensive fundraising campaign to support the rest of the Plan. Additionally, with an enrollment landscape that is more challenging than ever, beginning immediately communicates to our current and potential families what we all already know: that WMA is not only a transformational experience, but also a school on the move and worthy of their confidence and trust.
I left the meeting, quickly called our architects and told them that we need to move the schedule up a little bit . . . by about two years. Although the planning Read the ‘Library and permitting timeline will be tight Update’ and may creep into the winter months, we story on are confident that this project will begin pg. 32 to happen very quickly. This kind of excitement and confidence is indicative of the Academy’s strength and momentum, and the dedication of our Alumni and friends. We still have a lot of work ahead of us in the years to come. We will need to raise the necessary funds to fully complete the remaining Master Plan objectives, and we will be relying on our Alumni and friends to help us make that happen. In the meantime, I ask that you consider WMA in your annual philanthropic priorities because we need your help now more than ever. What is most exciting in all of this, for me, is that our students, our program and our school community will benefit from these plans and efforts much sooner than we originally thought. That is, after all, what this is all about. Respectfully,
