PLYMOUTH - September 22 - The Plymouth School Committee voted 6-1 on Monday to approve a comprehensive $9.8 million capital projects plan for fiscal year 2027, with aging HVAC systems and roof repairs dominating the district’s infrastructure priorities.
The Full Story
The committee’s approval of 19 capital projects reflects the ongoing challenge of maintaining aging school buildings across Plymouth’s educational system. The highest priority item is a $3.5 million chiller replacement at South Middle School, where the 26-year-old system is deteriorating due to salt air exposure and requires immediate attention to avoid a complete breakdown.
“They’ve put some Band-Aids on it to try and keep it running, but it’s going to be needed to be replaced probably yesterday,” said Dr. Adam Blaisdell, School Business Administrator, during his presentation to the committee.
The capital plan allocates significant resources to district-wide HVAC repairs ($500,000) and building envelope improvements ($400,000), representing the committee’s strategy to address systemic infrastructure needs across multiple school buildings rather than focusing on individual locations.
A $200,000 roof restoration project at South Middle School represents another critical priority. Unlike a complete roof replacement that would cost four to five times more, this restoration project uses a liquid overlay system that provides a 30-year warranty. However, Dr. Blaisdell warned that the building currently qualifies for this cost-effective approach, but may not if the project is delayed.
The plan also addresses accessibility improvements, including a $150,000 feasibility study for a chairlift elevator at Nathaniel Morton Elementary School. Dr. Christopher Campbell, Superintendent, explained that South Elementary is approaching a threshold where 33% of the assessed property value in improvements within three years would trigger a requirement to bring the entire building up to ADA compliance.
Athletic facilities received attention with $550,000 allocated for tennis court improvements at Plymouth Community Intermediate School, compared to much smaller amounts for seal and stripe work at the high schools. The significant cost difference reflects the deteriorated condition of PCIS courts, which require complete reconstruction and new fencing.
The committee also heard updates on food service operations following an independent audit that identified 13 risk areas in the department. The audit, conducted by CliftonLarsonAllen, found that the food service department had operated in a “siloed” manner, handling its own payroll, hiring, and procurement processes separate from district-wide systems.
Five high-priority risks were identified, with four relating to payroll management. The district has already begun centralizing payroll functions and implementing digital approval workflows through the Aspen system. David Badot, the new Food Services Director, promised students “we’ll figure out the pizza situation” during his brief introduction to the committee.
In a collaborative partnership with Park Plymouth, the district celebrated a $200,537 investment in relocating the playground at Nathaniel Morton Elementary School. The project will move playground equipment from a vulnerable location bisected by a road to a safer, consolidated area while enabling the creation of approximately 110 additional parking spaces.
The committee also received updates on new state regulations affecting career and technical education admissions. Beginning with current eighth graders, CTE programs must use a lottery-based system rather than merit-based selection. Students can receive additional lottery entries based on attendance and disciplinary records during a 270-day window covering seventh grade and half of eighth grade.
Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations Dr. Stacey Rogers presented comprehensive data showing the district continues to serve students with disabilities at rates approximately 3% above state levels. The department completed its tiered focus monitoring review with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with all corrective actions approved.
The meeting also featured presentations from Plymouth high school student representatives about upcoming events, including the historic Thanksgiving Day football game between Plymouth North and South at Fenway Park on November 26th. Student delegates who participated in the summer Shichigahama sister city exchange shared their experiences from the cultural exchange program.
Why It Matters
The $9.8 million capital request represents critical infrastructure investments that directly impact daily operations in Plymouth’s schools. Failing HVAC systems affect learning environments, while roof failures can force emergency closures and costly repairs. The proactive approach to building maintenance aims to prevent emergency situations that typically cost significantly more than planned improvements.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Executive session for collective bargaining discussions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 6:10)
Motion: Approve capital projects for FY27 as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 6-1. (Timestamp: 2:30:45)
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:52:08)
Public Comment
Kathy Babini from the Plymouth Education Foundation presented a $1,000 check to support the district’s Go Gold campaign for pediatric cancer research.
What’s Next
The committee will review draft competency determination policy on November 17th, 2025, as required by state law following the removal of MCAS as sole graduation requirement. A middle school pathway exploration policy for CTE programs must be reviewed at the October 6th meeting with implementation by November 1st. The approved capital projects will be submitted to town officials for final funding consideration.