School board accepts $85,000 and $41,325 PTA donations to replace elementary playground equipment

At its Sept. 2 meeting the Londonderry School Board accepted two PTA donations to replace playground equipment at elementary schools.

The board voted 5–0 to accept an $85,000 donation from the North School PTA to replace the main playground structure and swings. District staff said the North School PTA posted a request for proposals and selected Ben Schafer Recreation to supply and install the equipment. "This is all donation centered and outstanding," a district presenter told the board.

The board also voted 5–0 to accept $41,325 from the Matthew Thornton PTA to replace playground pieces, including swings and a spinner; staff said Matthew Thornton posted an RFP in July and also selected Ben Schafer Recreation.

Board procedure and attribution: The motions to accept each donation were moved by Sarah Loefflin; the North School donation motion was seconded by Kevin Gray, and the Matthew Thornton motion was seconded by Amanda Butcher. Both votes were recorded as "Aye" with a 5–0 tally.

Background and next steps: Presenters said the PTAs raised funds through Boosterathons and other community fundraising and that work would begin in the fall pending acceptance of the donations. District staff said the PTAs would coordinate scheduling and inspections with buildings & grounds so installations meet safety and accessibility standards.

Why it matters: The donations fund capital‑scale playground replacements that the district and PTAs said would improve safety and play opportunities at neighborhood schools without requiring district operating funds.