The screening committee did a great deal of research with people Ms. Connors worked with and they talked about her enthusiasm and ability to lead a school.

Dr. Gray-Bennett said she certainly applauds the town and joint boards' efforts. But she's concerned next November is a long time away for funding to build a new school to be voted on.

We want to get the planning done so we're in line for funding in 2007. It's not guaranteed we'll get funding, but the SBA will not look at our paperwork unless the community supports it.

If you have kids in high school now, you're probably not going to benefit from this. This is a long-term investment. Look at where your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will go to school.

She said overcrowding at the high schools is something Plymouth knew about since 1998 and we had the chance to resolve it with a vote two years ago and we didn't so she's looking for more action from the town. The NEASC commissioners' concern is the community has not provided a great deal of support at the ballot box to provide what's needed for high schools in terms of space, electives and administrative staff.

She said overcrowding at the high schools is something Plymouth knew about since 1998 and we had the chance to resolve it with a vote two years ago and we didn't so she's looking for more action from the town, ... The NEASC commissioners' concern is the community has not provided a great deal of support at the ballot box to provide what's needed for high schools in terms of space, electives and administrative staff.