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Williams Rockwell fund awards about $222,102 to Gardner schools this year
Summary
Mayor Nicholson reported trustees awarded roughly $222,101.96 in grants this cycle from proceeds of a Norman Rockwell painting sale; awards include classroom technology, trips and equipment across the district.
The Williams Rockwell Educational Gift Fund trustees approved this year’s grants totaling $222,101.96 to Gardner Public Schools, Mayor Nicholson said in a monthly update.
The fund originated from the sale of a Norman Rockwell painting that had been donated decades earlier; the painting sold for about $1.9 million and the principal has since grown to roughly $2.7 million, the mayor said. The fund distributes up to 90% of annual investment income as grants while retaining at least 10% to grow the principal.
This year’s awards — 35 approved applications — include classroom communication boards for nonverbal and English-language-learners, Nature’s Classroom trips, new microphone sets for Gardner High School and Middle School, percussion equipment, raincoats for the marching band, and field trips such as a Bravehearts game and a performance of Wicked. The mayor said the distribution across levels includes about $15,000 for elementary, $50,000 for middle school, $120,000 for the high school, $5,000 for Gardener Academy and $13,000 for district-wide student programs. He cited approximately $10,000 supplementing a Community Development Block Grant waiver of athletic user fees.
Why this matters: The grant program funds one-time enrichment and equipment that the school budget may not cover, and the mayor said the goal is to broaden student access to programs and reduce financial barriers to participation.
Details: The mayor described grants for communication aids for nonverbal students and students still learning English, new percussion and marching-band gear, and field-trip subsidies. He said the fund has awarded about $900,000 in grants since 2016.
Limitations and next steps: The mayor said a full list of approved grants will be posted on the city website; application and award details are managed by the Williams Rockwell trustees.
Ending: The mayor thanked teachers and trustees and said he looks forward to seeing the projects in classrooms.
