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Plymouth‑Canton board renews ABM custodial contract over two dissenting votes
Summary
The board voted 5‑2 to renew a one‑year custodial contract with ABM Educational Services, LLC at the May 26 meeting after a divided discussion about custodial performance and whether in‑house staffing would be feasible.
The Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools Board of Education voted 5‑2 on May 26 to renew a 2026–27 custodial services contract with ABM Educational Services, LLC.
The renewal (action item 26‑05‑68) was the subject of pointed discussion. Member Jennifer Boss announced she would vote no, citing dissatisfaction with custodial performance relative to contract expectations. "I'm going to vote no on this, because I found on our website we have an ABM custodial task schedule? And I don't believe based on staff and students and my own eyes that they are keeping their part of the bargain," Boss said from the dais.
Board members who supported renewal acknowledged the concerns and said the district negotiated clarifications in the new contract. Administration and supporters of the contract said hiring custodial staff in‑house had been analyzed previously and, because of retirement‑system and fringe‑benefit costs (MPSERS) and other fixed costs, the district could not match ABM's cost structure. As one board member summarized, bringing custodial services back in‑house would increase fixed long‑term costs that the district does not presently have budgeted.
After discussion, Treasurer Patrick Kehoe moved the renewal and the motion carried 5‑2. The renewed contract includes clarified language on substitute custodial positions and other operational responsibilities the board sought to codify; administration said it will continue to monitor performance and evaluate contract outcomes.
