What Does "Rebuild at Rundlett" Mean?

If you live in Concord, you've probably seen a wave of "Rebuild at Rundlett" signs around town. But what does it actually mean? And why is this issue sparking so much debate?

The short answer: These signs represent opposition to the Concord School Board’s December 2023 decision to move Rundlett Middle School to a new site in East Concord, near the Broken Ground and Mill Brook elementary schools. Despite strong public sentiment to keep the middle school where it is, the School Board voted to relocate it—and that decision has only fueled more resistance.

So why is the public so fired up about this move? At the heart of the issue is the disruption of two long-established and cherished neighborhoods. Rundlett Middle School is an anchor in Concord’s South End. Many families chose to put down roots there because of the nearby schools, including Abbott-Downing Elementary. Even residents without kids, or whose children have already graduated, value the vibrancy that these schools bring to the community.

On the flip side, some argue that East Concord should have the chance to host this new school. But not surprisingly, many residents of East Concord, especially those around Broken Ground, also oppose the relocation. Why? Because building the new middle school there would require clear-cutting up to 20 acres of forest. It would also mean constructing new roads, widening existing ones, and extending utilities to a more remote area. The majority of students wouldn’t be able to walk to school, which means more buses, more traffic, and more disruption to a quiet part of the city not designed to handle this kind of impact.

Believe it or not, people choose their neighborhoods for a reason. Some want a peaceful, wooded environment. Others prefer a more suburban vibe with smaller lots and more activity. People have invested time, effort, and money to settle in the neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle. Forcing major changes on either end of the city, without a compelling reason, just isn’t right.

While the School District claims that relocating the school will save money, those savings are highly questionable. A site comparison by the architectural firm hired by the district was released just six days before the Board’s decision, giving the public little time to review or challenge it. The report offers almost no details on how the costs were calculated, and the allowance for new infrastructure seems woefully inadequate. A new road, utilities, and additional buses will be required, and the ongoing costs of operating those buses need to be factored in. Plus, the idea that the Rundlett site would be more expensive is largely based on the assumption that the existing building will need to be demolished—yet, it may need to be demolished no matter where the new school is built.

Some say that, while the decision may not be ideal, it was made in good faith and it’s time to move on. They also worry that changing course now could jeopardize the district’s application for state building aid. But it’s not too late to reverse this decision. The state aid application still lists Rundlett as a potential site, not Broken Ground. The aid won’t be distributed until mid-2025, giving us enough time to rethink and rework plans for the Rundlett location.

I’m running for the Concord School Board to advocate for rescinding this decision and rebuilding at Rundlett. I believe we can make a better choice for our community—one that respects our neighborhoods, saves money, and works for everyone. Join my campaign, spread the word, and let’s make our voices heard.