[{"_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",6473525,"mediaKeyId","5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c","parentId",5744993,"title","Board praised for anti‑bullying training; community urges 'safe‑zone' protections for immigrant students","audioSeconds",3105,"startMs",1235000,"endMs",4340000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c&start=1235&end=4340","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c/thumbnail_1235000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6473525/Michigan/Board-praised-for-antibullying-training-community-urges-safezone-protections-for-immigrant-students","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473525-e1a2329521e781be45bdb01de7ea40f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452357&Signature=NGCX7qcj9DYQYDCKZ0cKHK43C~Z4wmjSMFbbrc~6~ez3sYcSN8908zSuj1JgFYT1GE5rZYo4avcBtXS3cVv2BalBdGhqV5lThFAVsfGLpo5g7~qY3MoK2Eei18Nl4e4H~pgwu9ZEG364KVqgiySuq6smVRFE9lSnDmD-w-LqsRndP8a9sSr8blwobn5kyrnuo1J0pEflNSDFRr2XsybtIbitzd3DI7q1ScKcI8tJeph7dVeGegri-0fH2Mb1cTgn7eDxzcNE8Y2p3mF9rVgq5oOeHFfCaC9aecNR8ZcjqMT1oR-I4LA~HQp2gc-~zxnjOzS~NOTWmJV61WdUsf3y8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","P-CCS TV","date","2025-09-10T01:52:26Z","article","Several speakers praised the district's decision to train building principals and requested the board adopt a formal \"safe‑zone\" resolution to protect immigrant students from immigration‑enforcement actions near schools.

\"I am sincerely grateful that you not only listened but responded with meaningful action,\" said Heather Gattney of PFLAG, referencing the district's plan to train teachers and staff on its anti‑bullying policies. \"Your decision to prioritize staff training demonstrates true leadership,\" she said.

Multiple speakers urged the board to adopt a resolution specifying protocols if immigration enforcement seeks access to school property. Sarah Krasinski, a parent, asked the board to \"adopt a safe zone resolution\" and urged training and a playbook so staff would know how to respond if U.S. immigration authorities appear on campus.

Mary Miller, a district grandparent and member of Western Wayne Indivisible, cited demographic data and urged the board to \"provide mandatory staff training on how to respond compassionately and appropriately to immigration related concerns\" and to \"establish clear protocols for handling law enforcement inquiries including requiring judicial warrants and notifying legal counsel.\"

PFLAG President Laurie Meyers also thanked the district for training principals on anti‑bullying policies and said she expected principals to ensure staff (including security officers and bus drivers) enforce policy protections. \"Thank you for doing your jobs to help our minority students learn in a safe environment,\" Meyers said.

Speakers referenced recent state and federal developments. Rachel Hayes, a PFLAG board member, noted that the Michigan House had passed House Bill 4024 and warned of state‑level proposals affecting transgender student access; she thanked the board for upholding Policy 5517.03 which the district uses to allow transgender students to use facilities matching their gender identity while providing private alternatives.

Ian Gonzales, working with End Gun Violence in Michigan, urged the district to partner on a gun‑lock distribution study led by the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and noted the \"safe home safe schools\" law would take effect Oct. 1; he asked the board to coordinate distribution logistics with schools.

Board members did not adopt a new safe‑zone resolution during the meeting but President Christiansen (represented by Vice President Sidhu at the meeting) and Superintendent Merritt were asked to receive further information and follow up with staff and the public. Several speakers asked for immediate adoption; the board said staff would review and report back.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","P-CCS Board of Education Regular Meeting -- September 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Community groups and residents thanked the district for moves to train principals and asked the board to adopt a formal 'safe‑zone' resolution protecting students from immigration enforcement at schools. Speakers also discussed recent state legislative actions and policy 5517.03 on transgender students' facility access.","taxTitle","Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",13579,"location","Michigan","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},6473530,"Plymouth‑Canton presents Early Middle College offering college credits, associate degrees for motivated students",707,3183000,3890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c&start=3183&end=3890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c/thumbnail_3183000.jpg","/articles/6473530/Michigan/PlymouthCanton-presents-Early-Middle-College-offering-college-credits-associate-degrees-for-motivated-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473530-b8eb9da9b90928415beab482e0dc81ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452357&Signature=HJ6iSRKp-yD4Yt8stD-HYehdkM8n6B6YY11tSuA4ksnbqf8uJFBpNTpyqJyMMRySuLN~wy01uIS57uqewXTcAyTq--KjUKcAyrkG6ImPWbcIKwAq9vic7ABDMLI419ATV4Aoo0za7WRyuJUiMw0MXbZrAHRhot9xyv-Wkh8TEtQ7C-h0phMxwuXtUDQrlRve2MgCGJpzRyoMgw19kZvFPOlqPrnH-oZmYch4UXrdVKQ1-fv~TQfm6LooXr9La13VD3K6-GJUxpbG~8bPg2gXbgA4TkyIlS0bCvWQrNKYbAsrfoNsE2S~58pftgxL-Obuabw2qEbfNp9Twf7s6tgQPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools staff presented the district's Early Middle College (EMC) program on Monday, describing a five‑year pathway that allows qualified students to complete a high‑school diploma and earn college credentials at reduced cost.

\"What is an early middle college? It's a specialized 5 year program that ... is designed for motivated students to allow them to complete both a high school diploma and an additional credential, such as 60 transferable college credits, an associate's degree or professional certificate,\" said Amanda Palukas, EMC coordinator.

Palukas said tuition and books are covered for participating students and described EMC as more structured than dual‑enrollment or AP offerings because it follows a planned sequence of college coursework. Partner institutions for the district's program are Schoolcraft College and Washtenaw Community College.

Palukas gave program details including eligibility criteria (a 2.5 minimum GPA and a strong attendance record), individualized major pathways, and a required fifth year that Palukas described as the \"associates year\" where students complete remaining college coursework on the college campus. She said current district partnerships allow majors in business, health sciences, engineering pathways, education, and other fields.

Palukas said this year's cohort includes 27 PSAP students: 15 at Schoolcraft (business administration, computer information systems, liberal arts, criminal justice) and 12 at Washtenaw (health sciences, pre‑engineering). She said one student in the program is expected to complete the EMC pathway this year, and five students are on an accelerated track to finish in four years.

Two EMC students described their experiences. \"One of the main reasons why I decided to do early middle college ... is it saves me the financial debt,\" said Alyanna, a second‑year EMC student. Another student, Samanjes Atre, said the program’s asynchronous college courses allowed flexibility for extracurriculars while keeping students on a college track.

Board members asked about extracurricular participation and graduation logistics; Palukas said EMC students may participate in school sports and activities and may choose to \"walk\" with their twelfth‑grade class; the associate degree conferral typically occurs after the fifth year if students complete the program then.

Palukas said applications for current 9th and 10th graders open in mid‑February; final acceptance requires admission to the partner college. The district plans family‑night information sessions and middle‑school outreach to increase awareness of the pathway.

","District staff described the Early Middle College (EMC) program at PSAP: a structured 5‑year pathway enabling students to earn an associate degree or up to 60 transferable credits while completing their high‑school diploma; current cohort includes 27 students with partner colleges Schoolcraft and Washtenaw Community College.",{"_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},6473534,"Plymouth‑Canton board unanimously approves consent agenda, includes IUOE tentative agreement and first reading of reproductive‑health policy",261,128000,389000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c&start=128&end=389","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c/thumbnail_128000.jpg","/articles/6473534/Michigan/PlymouthCanton-board-unanimously-approves-consent-agenda-includes-IUOE-tentative-agreement-and-first-reading-of-reproductivehealth-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473534-34032a423b36b4b955905fce644f3066/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452357&Signature=F9g-KwoH9xmOJl4BAZmGC7wBxFLHusUb0cvFQS0gIOOWMR6mi~t7~LWGReH1vG0iSduGS9etA0yn0kJzPbUab6Rvkc05ALGGLGS0hGTUla~-bT-zquzK55r5xaErKh4xPft8wKPr57j4sDF-oGXd4dgGu3OSAQOP-ZV-IQ4rSt0dbcQbh7FCZhm1n4~JiyrHgvDy-dzwu0ts~618OviZoJvmXrJy1JMkd8urUt0PlSVbLTpnZEv5LnLAbGTLjeinil11IgFEDpSBiPi9vC~ThSXu9fgHMqWP~PmsRcgwzOvfDqkWCyW2169gfaM987qqI6p65A~f3lcjcEctvTX1lQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the evening's consent agenda, 5‑0, following a motion by Secretary Judy Westra and a second from Member Jennifer Voss.

\"Madam vice president, I move that we accept, action item 260909, the approval of the consent agenda,\" Westra said. Vice President Anupam Chuk Sidhu then called for the vote; the board responded in the affirmative and the motion passed 5‑0.

Superintendent Merritt summarized the items included on the consent agenda: human resources transactions since the prior meeting (new hires, leaves, resignations and retirements); approval of minutes from the regular meeting on Aug. 26, 2025; an out‑of‑country field trip that had been vetted through the SPA committee; the first reading of Policy 2414, \"Reproductive Health and Family Planning;\" and a resolution approving a tentative agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) representing the district's security personnel, which members said had been ratified by the union membership.

The motion passed without recorded dissent. No board member proposed amendments to the consent agenda during the meeting. Superintendent Merritt and staff announced they would follow up on items requiring subsequent action or notification to affected employees.

The consent‑agenda approval authorized the administrative steps tied to those items, though separate board votes may be required in the future for final policy adoption beyond first reading or for implementation specifics of the ratified agreement.

","The board approved the consent agenda 5‑0, covering human resources transactions, approval of minutes, an out‑of‑country field trip, first reading of policy 2414 (reproductive health and family planning) and a resolution ratifying a tentative agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers representing security personnel.",{"_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},6473539,"Parents and former staff say Bentley Elementary unsafe, raise staff-exodus concerns",1182,1448000,2630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c&start=1448&end=2630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744993-df624cf63b592b44cc0fe5ba0de5173c/thumbnail_1448000.jpg","/articles/6473539/Michigan/Parents-and-former-staff-say-Bentley-Elementary-unsafe-raise-staff-exodus-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473539-2afc818951d265d74d0ff08b16a55d93/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452357&Signature=D4Ro5Y3pTmcG5O8F~fBLfkISA80WPR35G-2iMKi2pfauz1pKUxVYg9osnvm3QdfmpKqSI82jq0IDwHdCGcUzK8IhvzC5-zhyeQ6aTnyTkpfOsDpk8HXAznKXbeXM6CrPquwHjoSc1nJ6lHeNuY~dKlLFjzxf9b25iDBTcTTDSRfFtnBnf-hvV2owzNtH1HgZJ-CDp--SbFZwjpO6BjwGj9XLRIICFRKjTqE9dhehiH6HTtzbDeDgwVmwDSu2IPX4oaUL5HesS4qnJIsJ5u2832sOEOBDjVCl8NM7Z5eH4KI1JHP3iqSGJfT2HLpLJIoalYRCBeKwIou~AbBr9sfkFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple parents, former teachers and paraprofessionals urged the Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools Board of Education on Monday to act after what speakers described as repeated safety failures and a pattern of staff harassment at Bentley Elementary School.

“I am here tonight because what is happening at Bentley is not just concerning, it's dangerous,” said Carol Weisner, a former English language development teacher at Bentley, who spoke on behalf of a colleague. Weisner, other former employees, and family members described a series of incidents they say shows leadership and safety problems at the school.

Speakers recounted that a student with special needs went missing on school grounds for a third time. “Just yesterday, a special needs student was lost for the third time while attending Bentley. Although she was eventually found on school grounds, her mother is now living with trauma and constant fear every time she sends her daughter to school,” Weisner said.

Parent Crystal Clark told the board her daughter, a first grader with Down syndrome, “was lost on the playground again for the third time” and asked the district to prioritize a fence and better‑trained paraprofessionals: “Please get a fence at the school to protect the children.”

Former teachers described what they called a pattern of personnel departures tied to building leadership. “That's 21 employees that have left,” said Sherry Bowler, listing teachers and paraprofessionals she said had left Bentley. Michelle West, a former Bentley teacher, said the school has “lost 10 teachers. None were planning to retire,” and described the departures as an “exodus.”

Speakers asked the board to take specific steps including investigating the leadership environment, clarifying personnel safeguards, and accelerating safety fixes on campus. Several urged administrative leave for the principal while investigations proceed.

Board members did not take immediate action during the public‑comment period. Vice President Anupam Chuk Sidhu told commenters the board does not answer detailed personnel or operational questions during citizens' comments; instead, Superintendent Merritt was asked to investigate and follow up in writing.

Superintendent Merritt acknowledged the concerns and said district staff will follow up with those who requested further contact. No formal disciplinary actions or personnel decisions were announced at the meeting.

The public remarks cited trauma and declining staff morale, classroom disruption from repeated turnover, and concrete safety demands such as playground fencing and stable paraprofessional staffing. Those asking for follow‑up said they will await the superintendent's written report and clarified evidence they believe supports personnel action.

The board meeting continued with other agenda items after the public‑comment block closed. The Bentley speakers told the board they would provide further documentation if requested.

","Multiple parents, former teachers and paraprofessionals told the Plymouth‑Canton School Board that repeated safety lapses at Bentley Elementary and ongoing workplace harassment under the current principal have driven staff departures and left students at risk.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board praised for anti‑bullying training; community urges 'safe‑zone' protections for immigrant students

Plymouth‑Canton presents Early Middle College offering college credits, associate degrees for motivated students

Plymouth‑Canton board unanimously approves consent agenda, includes IUOE tentative agreement and first reading of reproductive‑health policy

Parents and former staff say Bentley Elementary unsafe, raise staff-exodus concerns