REBUILD, Not Renovate, at Rundlett (Public Hearing Thursday 6pm @ ADS)

Dear Greenspacers,

At 6 p.m. this Thursday, October 23, at Abbot-Downing School, the Concord School Board will hold a public hearing on the Middle School Project—an issue our city has studied and debated for years. After extensive review, it’s clear that the time to move forward is now. Each six months of delay costs taxpayers roughly $2 million—about $11,000 every day—money that could instead be invested in Concord’s future.

From the very beginning, Concord Greenspace has supported rebuilding—not renovating—Rundlett Middle School. Our grassroots effort, REBUILD@RUNDLETT, was built on a simple truth: if renovation were practical, it would have been done long ago. The name “Rebuild@Rundlett” has since been used by others, including the Concerned Citizens of Concord (CoCoCi), some of whose members are currently focused on renovation, differing from our original mission to pursue a full rebuild.

Renovation simply isn’t a viable option. Rundlett’s plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems are beyond repair. More than half of the building fails to meet ADA standards, and hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and PCBs are present throughout. The soil beneath the school is unstable, requiring full modernization, and classrooms and labs are undersized and outdated. Renovating would trigger code compliance for every system—at a cost nearly equal to new construction—but without solving the core problems.

Some have argued that declining enrollment should delay school projects. Yet roofs, heating systems, and accessibility requirements don’t shrink with class size. Independent experts and the School Board have concluded that rebuilding is the most fiscally responsible and long-term solution. Strong schools preserve property values, attract families, and sustain community vitality. Investing in education boosts students’ future earnings and reduces long-term social costs. A healthy community does not pit retirees on fixed incomes against families with school-age children. Concord gains nothing by fostering that false tension; a thriving community honors both, investing in education while protecting affordability.

We’re encouraged that the new school will remain at the Rundlett site. That decision honors community input and keeps the school rooted in its neighborhood. Now, it’s time to focus on creating a modern, safe, and efficient learning environment for Concord’s students.

This Thursday’s hearing is an opportunity for our community to listen, learn, and be heard. Whether you support rebuilding or have questions, your perspective matters. Concord now has the chance to turn years of study into action. Let’s take the win on location, end the cycle of costly delays, and move forward—together—toward a new Rundlett Middle School that reflects our community’s values and vision.

🔗 Learn more: Concord School District Middle School Project

Gratefully,

CG3