Plymouth School Committee Slows Decision on Preschool Relocation
Staff concerns prompt committee to seek more information on proposed move from PCIS to Plymouth South Middle School
PLYMOUTH - April 7 - The Plymouth School Committee is taking a step back to gather more information before deciding whether to relocate the Plymouth Early Childhood Center (PECC) from its current home at Plymouth Center Intermediate School to Plymouth South Middle School.
Superintendent Chris Campbell presented the proposal at the April 7 meeting, emphasizing that the move would not take place until the 2026-2027 school year, giving the district approximately 18 months to prepare if approved.
"If there's any hesitation regarding making a decision tonight, we can wait a while," Campbell told the committee. "If the committee wanted to see the space, they wanted to learn more about some of the things we're talking about here, I certainly would welcome providing an opportunity to actually physically see the space."
The proposal comes in response to a 41% increase in preschool referrals over the past five years, creating space constraints at the current location.
"We have seen a 41% increase in referrals over the last five years in preschool. It's one of the only areas that we've actually seen an increase," Campbell explained.
Three preschool staff members spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about the proposed move. Jamie Maccaferri, a special education teacher at PECC, acknowledged the need for more space but questioned whether the new location would provide adequate room for growth.
"We understand that preschool enrollment has increased by 41 percent over the past two years. We want to know how we can continue to support this type of growth with a space that seems to have limited potential for growth," Maccaferri said.
Heidi King, a speech-language pathologist at the preschool, raised concerns about the proposed therapy space at Plymouth South Middle School, noting that five therapists might need to share a single room that currently serves as a chemistry lab.
"The designated room is currently a chemistry room with five sinks and a chemical shower. Due to the size of the room, the acoustics are not optimal for a speech-language therapy space," King said.
Meredith Wodzinski, one of 13 special education teachers at PECC, highlighted concerns about the proposed entrance, pickup area, playground size, and bathroom facilities at the new location.
"The preschool staff asked that you consider our concerns during the decision-making process. We ask that you please table this vote until there is a viable plan presented to create a permanent home for our amazing preschool program," Wodzinski said.
Campbell's presentation outlined several advantages to the proposed location, including a dedicated entrance, expanded parking, and proximity to Plymouth South High School's early education and care program, which could provide additional resources and educational opportunities.
The proposed space at Plymouth South Middle School would provide an additional 1,824 gross square feet compared to the current location, with classrooms averaging 61 square feet larger.
Committee members expressed hesitation about making an immediate decision, with several requesting to see the space firsthand and receive more detailed information about costs and alternatives.
"I would like to see the space and get some more information contextually about it because I feel like there are some good concerns being brought up," said Vice Chair Katherine Jackson. "But I also feel like you've done a lot of due diligence in what you've provided."
Committee member Ashley Shaw voiced stronger opposition to the proposal.
"I have very serious hesitation about this. This is pretty much the entire staff from PEC coming here and sitting in front of us and telling us that they don't want this," Shaw said. "I also feel like this is a band-aid. Maybe it increases space a little bit, but it's not going to increase it to what we need for our preschool program."
Chair Luis Pizano suggested forming a working group with representatives from administration, parents, staff, and the school committee to develop a more comprehensive long-term plan.
"I don't think anybody's saying we don't have a problem. It's more, let's figure out a long-term strategy here," Pizano said.
Campbell agreed to provide more detailed information, including specific renovation costs and a comparison of different options, at a future meeting.
"We do care about the program, too, greatly. And this is why we're trying to find something that is not a band-aid. We want something that's going to be more of a long-term solution," Campbell said.
The committee took no formal vote on the proposal, effectively tabling the decision until more information is available.
In other business, the committee:
* Approved a field trip request for the Plymouth North High School drone club to compete at a national competition in Houston, Texas
* Approved job descriptions for an Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations and a Director of Curriculum and Instruction as part of an administrative restructuring
* Appointed Dr. Stacey Rogers to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations
* Heard school improvement plan presentations from Indian Brook Elementary School and Manomet Elementary School
* Voted to withdraw from the Massachusetts School Choice program for the upcoming school year
The next Plymouth School Committee meeting is scheduled for April 28.