ROCHESTER — The Rochester School Committee unanimously approved the construction of new playground equipment in memory of Rochester’s Chloe Harding and acknowledged retiring faculty members at its final meeting of the school year.

Harding, 8, died on February 17, after years of living with cancer. Her mother, Lindsay Harding, proposed the addition of a “whirl” to the Rochester Memorial School playground in memory of Chloe. The circular piece of equipment has multiple handles on it and allows children to spin around on it. She said going to school was one of Chloe’s favorite things to do, and wanted to give back to the place that brought her daughter happiness.

Harding was accompanied by her husband, Harrison Harding Jr. and her son Wyatt. The Harding family will pay for the playground addition.

Rochester Memorial School Principal, Derek Medeiros, said that the whirl will need to comply with safety standards, be at least 18 feet away from a swing, and have a path leading directly to it. He said that construction should go quickly, and will hopefully be completed by the fall.

Thomas Kinsky was recognized for his 20 years of teaching at Rochester Memorial School, as he will retire at the end of the year. As part of a tradition in the Old Rochester school district, Kinsky was awarded a book to symbolize his contributions as an educator. Committee members chose The Animal Book, A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth based on Kinsky’s  leadership of the “Great Outdoors” program. Kinsky was a science lab teacher for kindergarten through sixth graders, and used this program as a way to utilize nature to engage students.

After Kinsky reads the book, it will be added to the school’s library. A note on the inside cover of the book recognizes Kinsky for contributing to the teaching and learning advancements made at the school.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Elise Frangos was recently awarded Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by the Mattapoisett School Committee. Committee members in Rochester also recognized Frangos for her nine years with the school district by presenting her with A Year Full of Stories, 52 Classic Stories from All Around the World by Angela McAllister.

The recording secretary for the meeting was also recognized by the committee. Toni Bailey accepted flowers as a gift before resigning after working in her current position for five years.

The first meeting of the next school year will be held at Rochester Memorial School on September 5.