Richfield teachers seek $1,000 grant for flexible seating in kindergarten resource room

Richfield Elementary teachers asked the Revere Local Board of Education on Nov. 11 to back a $1,000 grant application to buy 10 flexible seating chairs for a kindergarten resource room serving students with special needs.

Kirk Pavlich, principal at Richfield Elementary, introduced teacher Tanya Plustrenger and kindergarten intervention aide Natalie Montgomery, who described how flexible seating — including ball chairs and wobble stools — is intended to support engagement, independence and self‑regulation among students with ADHD, autism and learning disabilities. "We wrote the grant for a thousand dollars, to purchase the 10" chairs, Montgomery said.

The presenters said the class currently supports approximately five students in the resource room and that some of the items shown in photos are pieces the classroom already owns. Montgomery cited research from the National Education Association showing flexible seating can benefit students with attention and sensory needs.

Board members asked practical questions about safety and durability: whether pictured chairs would roll away, whether stools were prone to tops falling off, and whether existing carpeting would reduce slipping. Presenters acknowledged some pictured items are existing equipment and said the GPD Employees Foundation grant decision is expected by mid‑January.

The board thanked the presenters and wished them success on the application. No board action was required; the presentation was informational and intended to support the pending grant request.

The board moved on to other administrative business; the meeting adjourned after a final procedural vote.