Select Board Names Wile to Whittier Cost Panel

Select Board · Meeting of August 10, 2026

West Newbury's Select Board recommended Christopher Wile as the town's voting representative on the Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee and debated how to split costs for a new vocational school building. The board voted 3-0 to send Wile's and Interim Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald's names to the Whittier School Committee as voting and alternate representatives, and separately reappointed the Town Clerk as Chief Election Officer, also 3-0. Member Christopher Wile told the board that under the current enrollment-based formula West Newbury would owe $8,127,245 toward a $200 million project, versus $2,263,822 under a straight per-pupil alternative, a gap of $5,863,423 that could grow to $16 million if costs reach $400 million.

Rowley's Bernie Cullen argued "the issue is one of equity and political viability," while resident Kevin Bowe urged support for a 50-50 compromise formula. No formal board position was taken; Chair Wendy Reed called it "not an action item."

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 1,870 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.