Board advances Whittier school cost position
The West Newbury Select Board debated its position on a stalled regional school cost-sharing formula and approved a batch of routine appointments and grants.
Select Board · Meeting of August 20, 2026
WEST NEWBURY — The West Newbury Select Board debated its position on a stalled regional school cost-sharing formula and approved a batch of routine appointments and grants. Chair Wendy Reed, Vice Chair Christopher Wile and member Barry Fogel directed Interim Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald to draft language asking the Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee to seek a Massachusetts School Building Authority deadline extension and keep funding a feasibility study, after a 50-50 capital cost split failed 7-3-1 at a July 17 regional vote. Reed said she "fully expect[s] West Newbury would and could pay a slightly higher proportion" than smaller towns.
The board voted 3-0 to let Stuart Georgitis bow hunt on the Sawmill Brook property, appointed Mary Aceto, Nancy Lee and Linda Luecken to the Council on Aging, and unanimously accepted a $48,135.82 State 911 Support Grant. Fitzgerald also reported certified free cash of $1.8 million, above the commonly recommended range, prompting a board member to ask directly whether the town is "overtaxing" residents.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,688 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of August 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Essex County meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Essex County who follows town government? Share Townbrief Essex County: they can sign up free.