03/23/12 The Plymouth High School pool has finally been completely drained and demolition crews are set to begin work in the pool area. The area will be converted into space to house the School of Inquiry that is scheduled to open this fall. The New Tech school will begin with 100 or so students for the 2012-2013 school year.

   Assistant Superintendent Rodger Smith said they received two bids for the demolition portions of the plans for the areas that will house the School of Inquiry. He said that they received the two bids, were notified that two others were declining to bid and one additional contractor joined forces with one of the bidders. He said the low bid was from Jackson Services for $115,000. Dr. Smith said Jackson Services has been a sub-contractor for other companies on several projects in the past within the corporation. According to Superintendent Daniel Tyree, much of the demolition is scheduled during spring break when students and teachers are out of school.

The Plymouth School Board was given a virtual tour at the last board meeting of how the space has been designed by Barton, Coe, Vilamaa, Architects, Engineers.

     The first floor will include offices for the director and guidance councilor, lobby area, and two spaces to accommodate up to 50 students each. Across the hallway from the larger areas, plans are to have rooms where 10-20 students can meet as break-a-way rooms. Between the two classrooms there will be a flexible space that will eventually be used according to what type of furniture is installed.

Stairs and an elevator will lead up to the second floor. The plans include four classrooms and a common space. The bleachers in the area that now houses the pool will be integrated into the overall design.

   Bid printouts for the project are being released on March 29 and those working on the bid portion anticipate receiving bids late in April for approval at the May board meeting.

Carol Anders Correspondent

Photos by Rusty Nixon.  Photos show the pool being drained and some of the damage to the ceiling under the pool.