Plymouth-Canton board reviews first readings on bond-funded tech, paving and school remodeling projects

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools officials presented first readings this week on several bond-funded construction and technology projects, including E-rate‑eligible network cabling and electronics, audiovisual/paging work, a multi-phase paving project at Canton High School, a major remodel at Salem High School and classroom/furnishings for Farrand Elementary.

The projects are being paid from 2023 bond proceeds; some components are eligible for partial federal reimbursement through the FCC E‑rate program, which staff said reduces the district's net cost but carries timing risk while the federal program is under review.

District technology director Mark Selzer told the board the first E‑rate packet (Bid Pack T10) covers structured cabling and basic electronics for newly constructed spaces and additions. He said the district is recommending a “not to exceed $131,926.07, net of reimbursements of $42,189.43” and that the purchases will be made from 2023 bond proceeds. "We apply for reimbursement from the government for eligible goods and services," Selzer said, describing the federal program that helps lower the district's cost.

Staff also described a companion E‑rate packet (E11) to replace the district's two core network switches and to add a more resilient firewall deployment. Technology consultants said the current core switches were installed more than a decade ago and do not meet anticipated concurrent‑user demand. The recommended award figures were reviewed in the board packet; staff emphasized that contract language includes contingencies tied to federal approval of the E‑rate funding so the district can adjust if reimbursements are not granted.

Board members asked whether the E‑rate program is at risk of changes under current federal review. A Barton Malow consultant explained the FCC is soliciting public comment on the program and signaled uncertainty beyond the next funding cycle; district staff said state E‑rate officials expect no immediate impact on this filing but cautioned about later cycles.

Construction manager Brian Gessman and project lead Nick Bridal presented PSEP‑3, a three‑phase resurfacing and site work package at Canton High School. Work is planned in three windows to limit conflicts with summer athletics and the Innovation Hub project: a staff lot mill and cap, a full‑depth replacement near the east athletic fields and a full deck replacement for the student lot. Gessman said bids came in at $3,524,293 against a construction budget of $3,541,160, a variance of about $17,000. Board members pressed for clarifications on stormwater detention requirements (set by Wayne County), fencing adjacent to the athletic field and how the schedule would affect summer programs. Bridal said the planned fence would create a 16‑foot access point and that athletics and maintenance teams would coordinate to avoid choke points.

The board also reviewed HS‑7A, a broad remodeling package for Salem High School that staff said renovates classrooms, restrooms, lighting and casework across much of the building. Presenters said the base bid total came in at about $6.2 million and that, with five accepted alternates (including a gym‑floor lower/replacement alternate and broadcast studio work), the project subtotal presented to the board totaled roughly $7.16 million, which staff said was just under the allotted construction budget. Designers noted they had included three new single‑user, fully accessible restrooms (one per floor) to improve accessibility while keeping required plumbing fixture counts intact. The board asked for higher‑resolution drawings and an explicit audit of which locker‑room and staff restrooms will be renovated as part of this package; staff agreed to return with clearer plans and a restroom punch list.

Bid Pack T11 (paging, clocks, access and video surveillance) and an audiovisual package for replacement classroom AV at several sites were also discussed as first readings; staff said those packages are related to the same buildings as T10 and will return for award recommendations once final scope and pricing are confirmed.

Finally, the board heard a furniture presentation for Farrand Elementary (bid pack EL4). The district's furniture consultant described classroom and media‑center layouts, flexible seating, art and music classroom pieces and two alternates (main office reception casework and high‑density PTA stacking chairs). The not‑to‑exceed figure presented for Farrand’s furniture and alternates was about $505,603, with a negative variance to budget shown in the packet.

What happens next: most of the items on the agenda were presented as first reads and will return to the board for award or formal vote after staff completes final reviews, resolves packet discrepancies and brings higher‑resolution plans for board review. Staff said they would continue to phase work to protect summer programs and ensure ADA access during and after construction.

Board members and staff signaled that E‑rate timing and the county’s stormwater approvals are the principal external contingencies that could change schedule or scope.

— Reporting here is based on staff presentations and board discussion at the Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools board meeting.