Exeter board OKs Wheelwright Trust grants: $1,600 sensory-room upgrade and $12,422 sound system for Lincoln Street

The Exeter School Board approved two Wheelwright Trust proposals at its meeting: $1,600 to upgrade a sensory room used by students in a Main Street School special-education program, and $12,421.98 to purchase an upgraded sound system and microphones for Lincoln Street School performances.

Sensory room request: The first proposal asked for $1,600 to expand and improve a sensory room used by the district's global skills classroom (students with significant communication and sensory needs). The proposal described durable items intended to support heavy work, deep-pressure input and vestibular movement and stressed that items would be selected in consultation with occupational and physical therapy staff. "Students in the program use these tools to regulate themselves throughout the day," the proposal said. The board voted 5-0 to approve the $1,600 request.

Lincoln Street sound system: The second proposal asked for a combined $12,421.98, broken into a $7,040.29 sound system and $5,381.64 for ten wireless microphones. Administrators and staff said the cafeteria stage hosts two annual productions and other assemblies, and that actors were difficult to hear under the current equipment. Ryan, Lincoln Street principal, said the upgrade would benefit students, families and outside presenters. "We have kids that have worked for several months to get up on that big stage... between all of our systems... it's really difficult to hear them," Ryan said. The board approved the full $12,421.98 request by voice vote, 5-0.

Why it matters: Board members framed both awards as investments that support students' learning and community engagement. The sensory-room items target a specialized population with recurring needs; the sound system aims to improve accessibility and the quality of arts programming and assemblies.

Follow-up and maintenance: Board members asked how the district will maintain the equipment long-term and whether future upkeep will be covered through technology or facilities budgets. Administrators said custodial and technology staff and outside technical partners would assist with setup and maintenance, and that the purchases would likely have multiyear life spans.

Ending: Both Wheelwright Trust disbursements were approved unanimously. Administrators said they will coordinate procurement and installation so the sound system can be in place for the spring production and the sensory-room items will be available to the Main Street program as soon as practicable.