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Board advances flexible classroom furniture pilot; approves Discovery Middle purchase
Summary
Board members heard a first reading on a multi‑year flexible classroom furniture pilot and approved the Discovery Middle School furniture purchase; administration also recommended a small painting contract award adjustment and a camera replacement first reading.
Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools advanced a multi‑year pilot to replace select high‑school classroom furniture with flexible, height‑adjustable pieces and approved a separate Discovery Middle School furniture purchase at the May 26 meeting.
Presenters described a phased approach: an initial pilot set installed in 2025 was used during the 2025–26 school year to gather teacher and student feedback; a proposed second round would add three distinct classroom sets (one per high school) and rotate them through additional classes in roughly six‑week intervals to further refine final design. Presenters emphasized accessibility and reconfigurability: "All of these classroom sets were designed to a student count of 34," one presenter said, adding that height‑adjustable elements allow better sight lines and accommodation for taller students.
The board considered and approved action item 26‑05‑67, a final reading resolution for the Discovery Middle School furniture and equipment purchase; the motion passed 7‑0. Members discussed installation timing and suggested exploring whether Canton's installation could be aligned with Plymouth and Salem, though administration said Canton's remodel timeline currently places its delivery later.
On facilities contracting, construction management staff explained a recommended change for the Gallimore and Hoban painting scope: the originally selected painting contractor could not meet project specifications within the original contract amount. The recommendation was to rescind the prior award and award the painting scope to the next lowest responsive bidder, Trio Painting, at $44,450 (an increase of $2,030), funded from existing project contingency so the project total remains stable.
Finance staff also presented a first reading to replace 61 older cameras at the PSEP campus to ensure compatibility with newer visible‑firearm‑detection technology; the upgrade would be funded from carryover 31AA school safety and mental‑health grant funds, with installation by in‑house staff.
The furniture pilot will return to the board with final design recommendations for Plymouth and Salem by the end of 2026; administration plans Canton's implementation in 2028, tied to building renovation timing.
