Plymouth School Committee Approves Dual-Location Early Childhood Center
Plan addresses space needs while providing north and south Plymouth options for families
PLYMOUTH - June 16 - The Plymouth School Committee unanimously approves a plan to locate the Plymouth Early Childhood Center at both Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) and Plymouth South Middle School, effective July 1, 2026.
The dual-location approach aims to address space constraints and provide more equitable access for families in different parts of town.
Superintendent Chris Campbell presented the revised recommendation after gathering feedback from staff and touring both facilities with teacher representatives and school committee members in May.
"Given what we've explored, given the conversations, given the needs that have been expressed, and given the fact that we know that we will need additional space, my revised recommendation to the committee is to utilize both PCIS and South Middle School for preschool programming," Campbell says.
The initial recommendation in April was to relocate the program solely from PCIS to South Middle School. However, concerns about space limitations at South Middle School led to the revised dual-location plan.
Campbell notes that the preschool population has increased 41 percent in the last five years, compared to a 6 percent average increase statewide. Many students have complex needs requiring mobility equipment, creating additional space challenges.
"It certainly provides ample space for expansion, providing numerous classrooms in both locations," Campbell explains. "Would reduce congestion of the existing program and expresses concerns and constraints of the one location."
The two locations are 3.9 miles apart on Long Pond Road, providing both a north and south option for Plymouth families.
Committee member Ashley Shaw supports the dual-location approach, noting it aligns with the district's overall structure.
"We have two middle schools. We have two high schools. Having two preschools makes more sense than having just the one," Shaw says.
The estimated cost for the dual-location plan is approximately $270,000, with some staffing costs to be included in future budget years. The district plans to use available funds for equipment and facility improvements.
Plymouth Early Childhood Center Principal Denise Tobin acknowledges the plan isn't ideal but represents a positive compromise.
"I think understanding that we have a lot of opportunity with having both spaces is definitely more favorable than trying to move PCIS to PSMS and all of us try to squeeze in that new space," Tobin says.
Committee Chair Luis Pizano plans to establish a subcommittee of staff and school committee members to ensure ongoing feedback is incorporated into the design process.
Superintendent Campbell also addresses the recent arrest of Patrick Van Cott, the district's director of food services, on charges related to alleged theft of school equipment and food supplies.
"As soon as concerns about Mr. Van Cott’s conduct were brought to our attention, the school department acted swiftly," Campbell says. "We did initiate an internal review. And when those discrepancies became clear enough for us, we immediately referred the matter to the Plymouth Police Department."
Campbell confirms Van Cott is no longer permitted on school property and emphasizes that the investigation remains active. He assures families that cafeterias have not been short of food for students and that meals have continued without disruption.
"We're working internally and with our partners externally to identify where systems may have failed, and more importantly, what safeguards need to be put in place moving forward," Campbell says.
He expresses appreciation for the staff members who came forward to report concerns.
"We recognize that reporting a supervisor is an extraordinarily difficult and stressful situation, and it takes courage to speak up, especially in a situation that can carry personal and professional risk for an individual," Campbell says.
The committee also:
- Heard a comprehensive health services report from Director Carilyn Rains, highlighting that school nurses have handled over 85,000 student health visits this year
- Approved an international field trip to Milan, Italy for January 17-24, 2026, with $5,000 in donations already secured to help students with financial needs
- Received a transportation efficiency report indicating the district's current transportation system is as efficient as possible given existing parameters
- Met new officers from the Plymouth Special Education Parent Advisory Council who outlined their vision for the upcoming year
- Recognized students who received National Council of Teachers of English Writing Achievement Awards
- Heard concerns from a community member about preserving a memorial tree on school property
- Received a warning from the Safety Committee about the dangers of e-bikes, noting the Plymouth Police plan to release a public service announcement addressing safety concerns
The meeting was the final in-person session for the 2024-2025 school year, with the committee scheduled to meet virtually next month.