Plymouth-Canton Looks for New Middle School Design, Architect

After naming McCarthy & Smith as the construction management firm for the $114.4 million bond at its last meeting, Plymouth-Canton Board members will look approve a design for the new middle school as well as an architect for the project during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Some Board members said they wished to review a variety of design choices for the middle school. Vice President Judy Mardigan disagreed, arguing in favor of the design used for Discovery Middle School because it would cut costs. 

“I'd like to see the alternative designs,” Mardigian said. “If there's a compelling reason not to use Discovery, I'll listen, but I'd have to be convinced.”

The Board voted 4-3 at its last meeting in favor of appointing McCarthy & Smith as the construction manager, even though a contract had not yet been negotiated. Mardigan, Board President John Barrett, Treasurer Sheila Paton and Trustee Kim Crouch voted in favor of the firm.

Secretary Adrienne Davis and Trustees Mark Horvath and Mike Maloney opposed it, saying the project should have gone out to bid.

The reasoning behind the hire, according to Superintendent Jeremy Hughes, was the long, successful history the firm has with the district from managing projects like Discovery Middle School, Plymouth High School, Dodson Elementary and the construction in Workman Elementary. 

The Board is also expected to decide on a consultant for the technology portion of the 2013 bond projects as well as approve its 2013-14 budget on Tuesday.

To view the full agenda for Tuesday night's meeting, visit the PCCS website.