School Board Tables Decision on PCEP Graduation Requirements

Changes to graduation requirements for the class of 2016 at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park will undergo revisions by administrators after the district's Board of Education tabled its vote on the matter Tuesday.

If approved, the following graduation requirements would be applied to PCEP freshmen for the 2012-13 academic year.

• Addition of two World Language credits
• Elimination of half a Computer Applications credit
• Elimination of half a Physical Education credit
• Embedding online learning into required courses

The plan came to the board Tuesday with support from administrators, but not teachers.

Ken Fistler, the district's teacher representative, said his council voted the plan down, 14-2.

Jeanne Farina, assistant superintendent of instructional services, said these new requirements would align the district with requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum, which calls for an additional two credits in a world language. Students would have a prescribed 19 (out of 24 possible) credits.

The plan also was met with opposition from parents, coaches and teachers in the district, who said they felt cutting physical education would be a detriment to students.

Dan Harbor, a cardiologist and parent in the district, said he was concerned with the changing requirements.

"I see results of inactivity every single day," he said.

Salem cross country coach Dave Gerlach and Canton football coach Tim Baechler both spoke about the importance of alotting for different students' individual curricula.

"All kids are created differently and experience education differently," Baechler said.

Board members indicated a desire to conduct more research before committing to a plan.

Board member Mark Horvath made the motion to table the vote, and the board voted 5-1 to delay its decision on the matter. Board member Barry Simescu voted against tabling the decision.

Plymouth-Canton redistricting meetings planned

Superintendent Jeremy Hughes announced a series of meetings about the Plymouth-Canton's redistricting plans, which will take place throughout February and March.

The district commissioned Plante Moran CRESA to develop plans to maximize the district's real estate, and all plans so far appear to point toward .

The meetings are set for the following dates and times:

• Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m.,
• Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., site to be determined
• March 6, 6:30 p.m., site to be determined

The Board of Education meeting where a redistricting plan will be adopted is 6 p.m. March 27 at Discovery Middle School.