Principals from Derry Cooperative School District told the fiscal advisory committee they prioritized classroom furniture, whiteboards and equipment replacements in their building requests for the 2026–27 proposed budget.

Mary Hill, principal at East Derry, and others described gym mats that have reached end of life and a request for portable soccer goals to support physical-education units. "Mats only last so many years," Hill said, citing safety concerns and routine maintenance by staff.

At Ernest P. Barca, Principal Dave Brown said the school is still replacing round cafeteria tables that can no longer be locked into a safe position and a deteriorating front communication sign; he proposed replacing five tables per year to spread costs across multiple years.

Grinnell Principal Melissa Lance and South Range Principal Michelle Crimoni emphasized flexible seating and STEM-appropriate tables, saying research-backed flexible seating supports student engagement. Lance described art-room tables that are worn and STEM tables that must be reconfigurable for different activities. Crimoni added that some classroom whiteboards are so worn "they're not able to be erased anymore." (Melissa Lance; Michelle Crimoni.)

Flynn and facilities director Jeremy Lamoth suggested the district pursue external funding when possible; Flynn noted the state SAFE grant (Security Action for Education) will open another application round that could cover communication upgrades, keying, surveillance and communication equipment, potentially offsetting tens of thousands of dollars.

Ending: Principals asked the advisory group to consider a multi-year replacement cycle so the district can budget predictably for classroom furniture and recurring items rather than seeking large one‑time infusions in a single year.