Concord school board rescinds relocation vote, moves to design new middle school at Runlet site

The Concord School District school board voted 6–3 on Wednesday evening to rescind its Dec. 26, 2023, decision to relocate Runlet Middle School to the Broken Ground site and instead begin designing a new middle school adjacent to the existing Runlet Middle School at 144 South Street. The motion, moved by School Board Member Miss Higgins and seconded by School Board Member Miss Boucher, directs the district to proceed with design work only; a separate construction vote would come later.

The vote follows a public hearing at Concord High School that lasted roughly two hours and drew more than 60 speakers. Many residents, parents and teachers who addressed the board urged officials to rebuild at the current Runlet site, citing walkability, existing neighborhood infrastructure and the desire to preserve open space. Other speakers continued to support the Broken Ground site, saying it would reduce construction disruption and be more cost-effective in some estimates.

Why it matters: The rescission ends a months‑long dispute that included a December 2023 board vote and a November 2024 charter amendment vote that residents and speakers repeatedly referenced. Board members who supported rescinding said the public comment and recent outreach showed clear preference for rebuilding at Runlet; those who opposed the motion cited cost and…