Plymouth School Committee approves two-site plan for Early Childhood Center
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Summary
The Plymouth School Committee voted unanimously to locate the new Plymouth Early Childhood Center at both Plymouth Community Intermediate School and Plymouth South Middle School, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. Superintendent Dr. Campbell said the dual-site plan expands capacity and reduces congestion at the existing preschool site.
The Plymouth School Committee voted unanimously to establish the Plymouth Early Childhood Center at two locations — Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS), 117 Long Pond Road, and Plymouth South Middle School (PSMS), 488 Long Pond Road — effective July 1, 2026.
Superintendent Dr. Campbell said the recommendation grew from tours, staff input and enrollment trends: “My revised recommendation to the committee is to utilize both PCIS and South Middle School for preschool programming,” he said, adding that the two sites would provide room for expansion and reduce congestion at the current facility.
The committee and district staff cited a 41% increase in preschool students receiving early intervention over five years, and said some students have complex equipment and mobility needs that require more space than the present site can offer. Dr. Campbell noted the plan is staged: initial facility and equipment work would use available funds now, while new staff would be proposed in the FY27 budget.
Committee members who toured both buildings said staff concerns and classroom shortcomings informed the decision. Principal Tobin, who joined district staff on walkthroughs, said staff favored the dual-site approach because it yields more flexible classroom and program options across North and South Plymouth.
Dr. Campbell outlined expected one-time site work including playground and fencing upgrades, bathroom modifications and signage; he said some vocational program students could assist with smaller projects once the initiative moves into FY27. The committee discussed creating a small school-committee subcommittee or liaison group to track design and implementation and to collect ongoing staff feedback.
The motion to approve both sites passed unanimously. Committee members said they expect periodic updates as the district develops detailed plans and a timeline for the FY27 implementation.
The superintendent and staff said the district will continue community outreach and will return with more detailed budget and design items during the next budget cycle.