[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6076029,"mediaKeyId","2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27","parentId",2977011,"title","Plymouth school leaders weigh moving Early Childhood Center to Plymouth South Middle School amid staff concerns","audioSeconds",2606,"startMs",2685000,"endMs",5291000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27&start=2685&end=5291","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27/thumbnail_2685000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076029/Massachusetts/Plymouth-school-leaders-weigh-moving-Early-Childhood-Center-to-Plymouth-South-Middle-School-amid-staff-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076029-e8c627b7b8c5b9e850b996392bfdd175/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448064&Signature=bIKlVRRg8NgpR0YhqUMBADTqFqquHWVWKtlHot6IRwZvUyBtp4yGSmaQkxXgb2iecu~4vA6xqba6lruHL9yiPLI44Y2LmJUm7czhJNY09SSB3zy2rty4XNlb0ly2qyPdxn-vl95PNhTDNaawhSzLK2Thoogb6znYHAYIcNN3aPk-zT2IJBbWjdrMgFQp5cOZVuv76HOojc4DCCfcrxClKx0Zg1-uRaK9g1bK5kq~Fireg-8hAIsckkh01BmQnt81idWhZmRhTzSSlP3YnfDcnMXmI9hMp2p2EWYj-vkhWuGnAZcAhQHFypktRx11N13oubDQY05K1vFRWWqnrcMIJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Plymouth Public Schools, MA","date","2025-04-08T13:41:47Z","article","Plymouth school administrators on April 7 recommended relocating the Plymouth Early Childhood Center (the district preschool program) from PCIS to the lower level of Plymouth South Middle School, saying the move would use existing district space and create a dedicated floor for preschool programing about 18 months from now.

The recommendation, presented by Superintendent Erica Campbell, was met with detailed public comments from preschool staff and parents and with questions from school committee members about space, safety and long-term capacity. Teachers and therapists urged the committee to delay any final decision until the district provides more information, including cost estimates, site visits and a clearer long-term plan.

The administration framed the proposal as a response to a 41% increase in preschool referrals over five years and limited expansion options at the current site, PCIS. Campbell said the South Middle site is centrally located on Long Pond Road, roughly 3.9 miles door-to-door from PCIS, and that administrators view the lower level as a way to reduce congestion, provide a dedicated drop-off and offer additional storage and office space not available at PCIS.

Preschool staff who spoke during public comment described specific program needs they fear would be compromised by the move. Jamie McAfferry, a special education teacher at the Plymouth Early Childhood Center, said the proposed space “feels not only lateral, but a decrease” in accessibility and services. Speech-language staff raised acoustic and safety concerns about a proposed therapy room that is currently a chemistry lab. Meredith Wodzinski, one of the preschool’s special education teachers, said the proposed pickup route would rely on a single exit without sidewalks and that the proposed outdoor play area would be significantly smaller than the existing space. Wodzinski asked the committee to “table this vote until there is a viable plan presented to create a permanent home” for the preschool.

Committee members echoed the request for more detail. Several asked for a site visit to South Middle, a comparative cost estimate for renovations and clarification of how the district would comply with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for preschool facilities (committee members noted concerns about bathroom counts and accessible loading/unloading areas). Campbell said the district could provide estimates and plans and that facilities and career-and-technical-education students could help retrofit spaces, reducing some construction costs; she estimated roughly $200,000 for initial renovation work, with about $70,000 of that for a playground, but committee members said they wanted itemized bids and proposals.

Administrators described operational benefits, including a dedicated rear entrance and reception area, nearby parking, existing storage closets, and proximity to Plymouth North’s health and early-education programs as potential partners for hands-on learning opportunities. South Middle principal remarks noted the middle-school enrollment decline that has left classroom space available; principal testimony indicated staff on the upper floors would be relocated to comparable classrooms so middle-school programs would not be displaced by preschool occupancy.

Rather than moving immediately, the committee’s discussion trended toward taking more time. Multiple members suggested convening a working group of administrators, preschool staff, parents and facilities staff; scheduling tours of both sites; and returning with a comparative analysis of options (stay at PCIS, relocate to South Middle, or a phased two-campus approach). The committee did not take a final vote on the relocation at the April 7 meeting.

The superintendent said she is not recommending delaying action “until next year” because she prefers to use current operational funds and to allow facilities time (about 18 months) to ready the site if the committee approves. Members asked for a follow-up packet addressing: detailed renovation costs, projected recurring personnel or supervision costs for split campuses, a pros-and-cons assessment, alternatives analysis including the district’s MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) work on a future elementary project, and staff and family feedback gathered since the public comments. They also requested a tour of the South Middle space prior to any final decision.

The discussion concluded with agreement to gather the requested additional information, schedule site visits and consider forming a stakeholder working group before any vote. The committee did not set a formal deadline for a decision but signaled the issue would return to a future meeting for further analysis.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Plymouth school administrators on April 7 recommended relocating the Plymouth Early Childhood Center (the district preschool program) from PCIS to the lower level of Plymouth South Middle School, saying the move would use existing district space and create a dedicated floor for preschool programing about 18 months from now.","taxTitle","Plymouth Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",67267,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076015,"School committee votes to withdraw from inter-district school choice; consent agenda approved",127,8881000,9008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27&start=8881&end=9008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27/thumbnail_8881000.jpg","/articles/6076015/Massachusetts/School-committee-votes-to-withdraw-from-inter-district-school-choice-consent-agenda-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076015-a73db56590587be1914dfeaf02f866a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448064&Signature=UwwU0yvcguc9ClJw6nB5vdTNJAAk8QphBEVpU0eFJsicG~ORCWqE4RDULe3p0jJeko~0KCF7uLaQ9GrS~VTymPXpDiw4mYsAG8MK9qkQNbcSLMPzGu-lIM49vOs4cIOmnaJugjVBhhhOmXs~Nvv5UbkrH6TrHqc6JqnQtMNZwlriScptje5wd4~B8guy9qF22gXM4mdp4AAgoJLK3ENxKvWpzjqoRjNI8bkGwddfu2W9ZBQwaMOZnc5U43N1NzrsoigV2Ve4sm1f99IAgqwRmgmMjlrns6o2KexRQq7xYiDrO9w1cF76lH7J4y1BpC2s5KKesNGrSoHwjKXiBREOYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth School Committee voted unanimously on April 7 to withdraw the district from Massachusetts’ inter-district School Choice program, a state option that allows students to attend districts other than the one in which they reside unless a local committee votes to opt out.

A district administrator explained the annual requirement under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 76, Section 12B, noting the committee must take action before June 1 if it intends to withdraw. The administration recommended withdrawal because of the district’s capacity constraints and budget considerations. The motion to withdraw was moved by Dr. Sorensen and seconded; a subsequent voice vote was recorded as unanimous.

Committee members directed district staff to notify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of Plymouth’s decision the following day.

Later in the meeting the committee approved the consent agenda, as moved and seconded; the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.","The committee voted unanimously to withdraw Plymouth from the state’s inter-district School Choice program and approved the consent agenda. Members authorized staff to notify the state.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076020,"Plymouth North drone team approved to compete at national event in Houston",537,1339000,1876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27&start=1339&end=1876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27/thumbnail_1339000.jpg","/articles/6076020/Massachusetts/Plymouth-North-drone-team-approved-to-compete-at-national-event-in-Houston","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076020-7b85065b8916f8a1c32ed3d78dd02d82/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448064&Signature=Qh18iits412u2b9EZzgkim6Pdg2R4~G0YoC1o6L2cPk7zswIyoJHzXKOp045vHZujvfRoR7gigieWYLv7k0AHWngKnzxGAZpcd3EoL9Wj~uTwb4Ml9LbjHOpWIEMYGORcvo96NSAoQlaWx-vhMPHv0zGm~xxR1lzPw8MMZQZe8Kc8ye1kKBsK2xJrougXQCxYjjPLGW~bwZbJc8yZ61LIl1cWrDXWpD2ofytBNs3qfUSeTPe6a4doHA3NmZIvBepyhbjf6sQoeTPbY0xesLuf4D~zAo1ooUIZmDonsQYaK3n7QuJQa1Vo4QTOxsNpGGjG20VRJf3uQzosT9GzkPSHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth School Committee on April 7 approved an out-of-state overnight field trip for a four-student Plymouth North High School drone team to compete at the Exponential Conference in Houston in May.

Carl Nielsen, engineering technology teacher and robotics advisor at Plymouth North, described the program as a new pilot within the school’s robotics offerings and said the team qualified to compete in an in-person national event after submitting season materials including a marketing video, portfolio and competition footage. Sean Nicorsi, the student project manager, said the trip would be three nights and include a two-day competition and conference sessions for unmanned vehicles and drone technology.

Nielsen told the committee that the team would send four students, two parent chaperones and one staff advisor; the estimated cost per student would be roughly $500, with the team and parent groups planning a rapid online fundraising campaign (Snap Raise) and use of existing robotics funds and corporate sponsorships to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Nielsen said the program expects to cover most of the budget from sponsorships and fundraisers and that family groups acknowledged they may pay up to about $500 per student if necessary.

Committee members asked whether all four students would be able to attend regardless of financial need; Nielsen said yes, and a committee member followed with praise for the program’s rapid growth and national qualification. One committee member noted the team had worked with Belmont High School earlier in the season and that an Ed TV student plans to record and produce a segment from the event.

A motion to approve the field trip was moved and seconded and then carried. The committee wished the students luck and asked the team to return with a recap after the competition.","Plymouth North’s drone-team students will travel to the Exponential Conference in Houston for a national unmanned-vehicle competition after the school committee approved the out-of-state overnight field trip; administrators said parents will fund remaining costs and the team will run fundraisers to offset expenses.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076025,"School committee approves new academic operations role and appoints Stacy Rogers as Assistant Superintendent",822,1816000,2638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27&start=1816&end=2638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2977011-a44353bd125da9b179425a6478561b27/thumbnail_1816000.jpg","/articles/6076025/Massachusetts/School-committee-approves-new-academic-operations-role-and-appoints-Stacy-Rogers-as-Assistant-Superintendent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076025-59b744505cbb821db01ad734582bdbf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448064&Signature=QaTNrZH5qpEbmKgmrPCVZYzYUK1mU9GqKjmTZ1EKPMnmSS87TJ5-AQkta79PUhWIkA7Cx99F-RtaOud1PTApLcmqhwMTt2HrE0VJmzJq1j3bx8h-8zRZISDUMPLeA79d77qhUGb40e7GRYDvytGpD3x2LNZ2S9iVVzNul~3RUGy~yXtZhsyhIDpmspokHtbx0xFylW30zRqfbLGpApU3cg7iwIprQI93EgxkW2nOLFkMl2uFEXSLPLrQ4bu5Jk4AA2H5aLB6Y7kqvCiptrM2q3BSTVa~QFtErIpTY2zzXFVfArx8dov3mgyUb4fU9Z9dP1-F31wAm4oMDId5H-dJkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth School Committee on April 7 approved revised job descriptions for two district leadership posts — an Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations (a restructured role combining elements of special education direction and assistant superintendent duties) and a Director of Curriculum and Instruction — and moved to appoint Dr. Stacy Rogers to the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations position.

Chief Administrative staff outlined the restructuring as a strategy to strengthen special education leadership while not increasing the district’s overall number of administrative positions. Doctor Erica Campbell and other administrators said the model reduces duplication, places more services at the building level, and uses existing personnel talent: the assistant superintendent for administration and instruction’s responsibilities would be shifted so that Dr. Rogers could lead the combined academic and special education oversight.

The committee heard that the assistant director of special education role would be refined to focus on in-district work, while a new out-of-district liaison (a teaching position under the teacher contract) would support students placed outside the district. The Director of Curriculum and Instruction position will supervise academic coordinators and carry curriculum development, professional development and assessment responsibilities; administrators said the director post would initially be posted in-house to encourage an internal candidate to assume expanded duties.

At the meeting the job descriptions were presented with tracked changes and a proposed capitalization edit to consistently refer to “Special Education” as a department. A motion to approve the job descriptions, including the capitalization amendment, was moved and seconded and carried. Committee members emphasized the district’s intent to avoid raising administrative costs; one member said the restructuring should reduce overall administrative headcount over time.

Following the job-description votes, a motion was made to appoint Dr. Stacy Rogers to the newly revised assistant superintendent role. Committee members spoke in support of Rogers’s qualifications and experience in special education. The committee approved the appointment (the committee discussion recorded broad support and no recorded opposition) and congratulated Dr. Rogers.

Administrators said the revised assistant superintendent position includes duties in administration and instruction, special education leadership, policy, community involvement and operational oversight. The Director of Curriculum and Instruction role will report to the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations and provide day-to-day support for academic programming. The district plans to present a revised job description for an assistant director of special education and an out-of-district liaison at a later meeting and to post the director role internally in the near term.

Committee members asked for continued attention to succession planning, with one member noting that finding a leader with Dr. Rogers’s combined qualifications could be difficult in the future. Administrators replied that if leadership changes occur they would post similar positions to widen the candidate pool.

No changes to compensation for existing staff were announced at the meeting; administrators said the plan aims to reallocate responsibilities rather than increase administrative payroll.","Committee approved revised job descriptions for an Assistant Superintendent of Academic Operations and a Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and moved to appoint Dr. Stacy Rogers into the restructured assistant superintendent role; committee discussion emphasized leveraging internal talent and minimizing additional administrative costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Plymouth school leaders weigh moving Early Childhood Center to Plymouth South Middle School amid staff concerns

School committee votes to withdraw from inter-district school choice; consent agenda approved

Plymouth North drone team approved to compete at national event in Houston

School committee approves new academic operations role and appoints Stacy Rogers as Assistant Superintendent