PLYMOUTH - January 5, 2026 - Facing a staggering 17% cost increase from their busing vendor in year two of a proposed contract, Plymouth School officials announced they are seriously considering creating a self-operated transportation department. The potential pivot comes as the School Committee voted 5-0-1 to approve a $133.1 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
The Full Story
Plymouth Public Schools may take over their own busing operations to escape skyrocketing vendor costs. During a report on the district’s transportation bid, School Business Administrator Dr. Adam Blaisdell revealed that the lowest bidder, current vendor First Student, proposed significant increases: a 7.25% hike in the first year and a nearly 17% jump in the second year [49:59].
Dr. Blaisdell stated that moving to a self-operated model—where the district owns or leases the buses and employs the drivers directly—could save the district approximately $2.8 to $2.9 million over a five-year period [50:31]. The district has about 18 months to plan the transition if they choose to proceed, as they still have one option year remaining on their current contract with a capped 2.75% increase.
Committee member Paul Samargedlis expressed frustration with the vendor’s pricing, calling for the district to “draw a line in the sand.”
“It’s almost absurd what communities are going through... We’re not just going to take that lying down. We’ll find a way... It’s time, folks. Not looking at the gluttony, and I know costs have gone up everywhere, but that just can’t always be the excuse.” — Paul Samargedlis [51:32]
$133 Million Budget Approved Earlier in the meeting, the committee held a public hearing and voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget of $133,119,875 [20:15]. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Campbell described the budget as responsible, maintaining core values and student services despite a “lean” approach [17:53]. The budget passed with five yes votes and one abstention (Ashley Shaw) [20:49]. Member Vedna Lacombe-Heywood was absent.
Curriculum Controversy During public comment, two residents, Sandra Brogan and Linda Lepera, voiced strong objections to a “comprehensive sex education program” they claimed was being introduced to 8th graders, with plans for 6th and 7th graders. Brogan cited biblical scripture and argued the program was “immoral,” stating, “The separation of church and state is not in our founding documents... Sex is a gift from God... The gift is virginity” [06:20]. Lepera echoed these concerns, fearing children were “learning too much too soon” [08:57]. Chair Luis Pizano clarified that public comment was not a debate and no immediate response was given by the committee.
Trip Costs Questioned The committee approved an international field trip to France for April 2027, but not without debate over the $4,573 per student price tag. Chair Pizano criticized the cost as exclusionary. “This is a number that would shock the hell out of most people,” he said, arguing it caters to a specific subset of the population [26:38]. The trip was approved in a 4-1 vote (Pizano voted no, with Bryant abstaining) [34:00].
Why It Matters
The potential shift to self-operated busing represents a major structural change for Plymouth. While it promises long-term savings of nearly $3 million, it also transfers the logistical burden—maintenance, hiring, and insurance—from a private vendor to the taxpayers. Meanwhile, the approved $133M budget sets the baseline for town services, and the emerging debate over sex education curriculum signals potential cultural clashes in future meetings.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
FY27 Operating Budget ($133,119,875)
Vote: 5 Yes, 1 Abstention, 1 Absent (Shaw abstained) [20:49]
Plymouth South High School Trip to NYC (March 2026)
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [23:13]
Plymouth South High School Trip to France (April 2027)
Outcome: Passed 4-1-1 (Pizano voted no, Bryant abstained) [34:00]
BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) Counselor Job Description
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [45:47]
Public Comment
Sandra Brogan: Spoke against the comprehensive sex education program, citing religious beliefs and advocating for abstinence/virginity [04:10].
Linda Lepera: Agreed with Brogan, expressing concern that the curriculum is too advanced for 6th-8th graders [08:27].
What’s Next
Transportation Negotiation: The administration will negotiate with First Student to see if bid numbers can be lowered while simultaneously exploring the self-operation model.
MSBA Project: Owner’s Project Manager selection for the Hedge Elementary School project is underway, with a submission deadline to the MSBA by March 11th.
Commissioner Visit: The State Education Commissioner is scheduled to visit PCIS on January 6th.