A sensory room is coming to Warren Area Elementary Center. At its meeting this week, the Warren County School board approved the purchase of items to install a “sensory-friendly” space at the school.

“This resource will support students with autism and other disabilities that benefit from sensory supports,” an executive summary accompanying the board meeting agenda states. ” ‘Sensory-friendly’ often refers to an environment in which kids are given the sensory input they need to self-regulate and decompress; alternatively, it’s an environment that lacks overstimulating sensory input. Sensory rooms are focused on providing the best sensory input for specific needs. By using a variety of therapeutic equipment, kids learn to self-regulate their behaviors and ultimately improve their focus.”

The room will include, among other items, a play barrel, LED sand table, a vibro-acoustic chair, a vibro-acoustic ball pit, an interactive balance beam, a slide, a trampoline and a swing.

The total cost of the approved contract is $77,568.21 to be funded with federal elementary and secondary school emergency relief funds.

In other news:

¯ The board also approved purchase of a new box truck through the state COSTARS cooperative purchasing system. Total cost for the truck is $87,888.64.

¯ The purchase of eight autonomous floor scrubbers was also approved. The scrubbers are priced at $75,968 each for a total purchase of $607,744. The purchase will be funded with federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds.