On Wednesday, Selectmen voted to take legal action to protect an anonymous donor's identity.

Each year, Sippican School receives a $25,000 anonymous donation that goes into the principal’s discretionary account and is earmarked for special programs and needs that the budget doesn’t cover. Recently, however, Peter Winters requested that the donor’s name be released.

Winters is the husband of Marion School Committee member Christine Winters, who has voiced her opposition to the anonymous nature of the gift for the past two years.

In response to Winters’ request, the Sippican School administration asked the Selectmen to take legal steps to keep the donor’s name a secret.

Under the state’s public information law exceptions can be made, though there is not an exception that specifically fits this situation. However, Town Administrator Paul Dawson said there were a number of cases across the state that would support the town.

“The state of Massachusetts does protect anonymous donors,” Dawson said.

The Selectmen in support of moving forward with the legal process, expressing their confusion as to why someone would want the name released.

“You open this Pandora’s Box and you’ll see people stop donating,” Selectman Steve Gonsalves said. “This doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

Selectman Steve Cushing echoed that sentiment.

“I’m at a loss for words,” he said. “It makes no sense.”

Selectmen Chair Jody Dickerson said he believes the town owes it to the School Committee, school administration and the donor to move forward with the case.