Exciting changes are on the way for students at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
A giant new pool for swimming laps, a state-of-the-art sports stadium and expanded band rooms are some of the changes coming to the district’s high schools. As a district, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is committed to improving its learning environments for students and educators alike.
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is proud to educate high achieving students. The robotics, radio station and culinary programs have won national awards and students consistently score at or above average on state and national tests.
1. Overview of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
- Phone number: 734-416-2700
- Number of schools: 23
- Number of students: 16,245
- Pupil to teacher ratio: 21:1
- PPE (Per Pupil Expenditures): $14,362
- Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
- Claim to fame: The three-school P-CEP high school campus offers placements in rigorous learning opportunities like IB, honors programs and AP classes. There are also strong athletics and clubs, including a national award-winning band, culinary and radio programs, plus STEM labs in each middle school. District superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt was Michigan’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year.
2. Mascot change
Students at sports games and spirit days will be sporting a new look at Canton High School this school year thanks to a roughly $145,000 grant from the Native American Heritage Fund to rebrand its mascot.
The former school mascot, a “Chief” has been changed over to the student-chosen name, the Cobras. The grant will fund the cost of updating uniforms, logos and other items with the new mascot.
3. New stadium and swimming pool at high schools
In 2020, residents voted for a $275 million bond to address facilty improvements, safety enhancements, playground upgrades, school bus purchases, technology needs and more.
Some of the updates have already been completed, while others, like a new stadium and multi-purpose room at Canton High School, are currently underway. The stadium and building addition are expected to be completed in spring 2025.
Other upcoming changes include improvements to Plymouth High School. An expansion to the band room is set to be completed in winter 2024 and construction on a new natatorium with an eight lane swimming pool and multipurpose room is slated for completion October 2024.
4. Expansion to award winning student-run radio station
The student-run radio station, 88.1 The Park, is a standout district program. The station has been awarded high school station of the year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for the past seven years and has an audience of 100,000 listeners.
In August 2024, the Rotary Club of Plymouth donated $200,000 to help fund an expansion that will allow more students to participate in the program, including students with disabilities. The planned expansion will include three new production studios, an interview studio, student workspace and storage upgrades.
The station is fundraising through 2026 or until its goal of $517,000 is met. The funding goal is set based on estimated costs for HVAC updates, sound attenuation measures, security considerations and significant equipment purchases. In order to receive the Rotary Club’s $200,000 donation, the station will need to first match the grant.
5. Strategic plan for 2021-2027
The district’s strategic plan for 2021-2027 is founded on the principles of equity and inclusion, community engagement, student-centered learning experiences, and education innovation.
District leaders are using the plan to better align the goals of the district with day-to-day operations in the present and future. The district’s broad goals are increasing achievement for all students, ensuring students and staff feel safe and represented, improving community partnerships and incorporating student feedback and perspective in learning.
Some of the district’s specific action plans are to create partnerships with local colleges, distribute kindergarten reading kits, create a mentorship program, distribute a family newsletter, and provide every district classroom and school bus with a lockdown safety kit.
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