Exeter launches after‑school program and accepts $90,000 Exeter Hospital grant for senior services

Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Dave Tovey and Recreation Coordinator Caroline Neal presented new youth and senior programming to the Select Board on Aug. 24.

Neal described a new after‑school program for children in grades K–5 to be offered at Lincoln Street School, Main Street School and the community center beginning the Monday after the meeting. "We have 71 of 140 spots filled," she said, adding the program will hire a full‑time after‑school coordinator and rely on a mix of part‑time youth staff. Neal said the program’s budgeted revenue split is 60% after‑school program revenue, 30% summer adventure camp revenue and 10% youth sports revenue — meaning the position and program are expected to be funded by the recreation revolving fund with "0 impact on the general fund."

Tovey also presented an Exeter Hospital grant request: $30,000 annually for the next three years ($90,000 total) to support senior programming, including partial salary for a part‑time senior coordinator, coach bus trips, instructors and monthly senior luncheons. The board voted to accept the grant and authorized the town manager to sign related documents.

Board members raised questions about program cost and transportation. The after‑school program fee is $35 per day; staff said transportation is a significant expense because the SAU currently cannot provide buses to the community center and the department may need to contract buses until alternative arrangements are available. Select Board members expressed support for the programs and appreciation that the after‑school effort is initially budgeted to be self‑sustaining.