Plymouth School Committee Reorganizes Leadership for 2025
New chair, vice chair, and secretary elected during January meeting
PLYMOUTH - January 27 - The Plymouth School Committee reorganized its leadership during its Jan. 27, 2025, meeting, electing Luis Pizano as the new chair.
Superintendent Chris Campbell called for nominations for the chair position to begin the reorganization process. Committee member Katherine Jackson nominated Pizano, who accepted the nomination.
With no other nominations put forward, the committee unanimously elected Pizano as chair in a show of hands.
After taking over the meeting, Pizano called for nominations for vice chair. He nominated Jackson, who accepted. With no other nominations, Jackson was unanimously elected vice chair.
For the secretary position, Jackson nominated Robert Morgan. With no other candidates nominated, Morgan was unanimously elected as secretary.
The reorganization came earlier than usual due to recent changes on the committee, including a former chair Michelle Badger becoming a State Representative.
"This is usually done in the spring, but with Miss Badger, now state representative and new members on the school committee, we take this opportunity to do a reorganization of the board officer position," Campbell explained.
In other business, the committee heard a presentation from Brian Byrne, director of EdTV, on recent projects and upgrades to the district's video production programs.
Byrne highlighted a $200,000 investment to renovate the TV studio at Plymouth South High School.
"South High TV studio got a complete remodel, over $200,000 that was invested into that TV studio," Byrne said. "EdTV has been kind of a partner throughout that, and providing the training pieces, but also kind of advising as well, in terms of where the future video is going."
The upgraded equipment allows students to create higher-quality video productions and prepares them for evolving technology in the field.
Byrne noted the challenge of keeping up with rapidly changing technology in video production.
"I think the biggest challenge that we're going to continually face is budget-wise, and because like working in a technology-driven field, you can purchase a camera, and you know, you're going to get as much life as you can out of that camera, but you're talking about technology that can be out of date within five years," he said.
Campbell emphasized that the EdTV program, including classes and equipment, is funded through a cable tax agreement rather than the district's operational budget.
"A lot of people in the community don't realize that this entire program, all these opportunities that our students receive is supported through a cable tax agreement," Campbell said. "This is not a part of our operational budget."
The committee also heard updates on several ongoing initiatives:
- The district will present its fiscal year 2026 budget at a joint board meeting Jan. 28 at town hall.
- An equity audit of the district will begin soon, with the first advisory team planning meeting held Jan. 22.
- The district is working with local organizations to develop a comprehensive volunteer program for the schools.
- A feasibility study for renovating or replacing Hedge Elementary School received support from an advisory committee and will go before town meeting.
Campbell announced three staff retirements: Mara Evans, district-wide teacher of students with vision and hearing loss, after 11.5 years; Catherine Murray, paraeducator at Plymouth South Middle School, after 27 years; and Clifford Colley, carpentry teacher at Plymouth South High School, after 28 years.
The committee also acknowledged a $320 donation from retired kindergarten teachers to the Plymouth Early Childhood Center for books.