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Rundlett Middle School’s outdated systems, crumbling infrastructure, and inaccessible design make renovation an unsustainable, short-sighted, unsafe, and costly proposal. The Concord School Board’s 2019 decision to build a new, net-zero energy middle school was the right one—endorsed by architects, engineers, and educators long before Concord Greenspace (CG3) became involved. While a new vocal group now pushes for renovation, we must show the Board that the community strongly supports moving forward with a new build—one that ensures healthier learning environments, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. Renovation prolongs problems; building NEW secures our future!
PUBLIC HEARING - January 22nd 6pm at CHS Auditorium
Show up at the Middle School Project PUBLIC HEARING and be heard on your choice for the middle school location (rebuilding at Rundlett or Broken Ground School) and to advocate for a NEW school building for our students and city:
Middle School Project Public Hearing
Wednesday, January 22nd
6pm
Concord High School Auditorium
Renovation vs. New Build: A Brief History
The middle school renovation vs. new build debate has raged since 1972 (longer than there has been debate about location). In 1990, additions to the Rundlett building were made. On July 1, 2019 the Concord School Board voted 9-0 to build a new school rather than renovate. In addition to other considerations, the board cited the engineer’s assessment that EVERY SYSTEM in the building was AT OR BEYOND its anticipated lifespan. For the six years since that decision, the School Board has worked on plans for building a new school. In that time, Rundlett has continued to age.
While the community might wish to go back in time to revisit the original construction of Rundlett, the additions made in the 1990s, or the decision made by the school board in 2019 to build new, those moments are behind us and cannot be changed. We are here now, and further delays harm our children, our teachers, and our city’s reputation as a desirable place to live. It’s time to face the facts: renovation is neither a cost-effective nor sustainable option.
CG3’s Position: Build New
At CG3, the need for a new Middle School has never been up for debate. Expert architects, engineers, educators, and the School Board determined long ago that building new is the right path forward. As advocates for smart growth, climate action, and equitable development, we wholeheartedly support this vision. A new school will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, healthier learning environments, and energy efficiency, ensuring long-term financial savings and sustainability for our district. Renovation would only prolong existing problems, wasting money and resources without addressing the real issues.
As always, we’re here to dive deeper into the reasoning behind our support—read on for facts and insights that underscore why building new is the smartest and most sustainable choice for our community.
6 Reasons Why Renovation Fails
1. Outdated Building Systems = High Costs
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of the current school is 108 kBtu/sq. ft.-yr—more than 2.5 times the target for a modern, efficient school.
Aging mechanical systems, inadequate insulation, leaky windows, and a failing HVAC system (resulting from the unprecedented demands of COVID) drive up utility costs and compromise indoor air quality, creating unacceptable conditions for students and staff alike.
Renovation would require millions of dollars to address these issues, yet the outdated infrastructure would continue to limit efficiency and long-term performance.
2. Net Zero Energy: Long Term Savings That Renovation Can’t Deliver
The new school plans to be a net-zero energy building, producing as much energy as it consumes, thanks to solar panels and a geothermal heat pump system.
The energy-efficient design reduces annual consumption by over 60% compared to the existing building.
Renewable energy capacity (solar and geothermal) will keep operational costs low—renovation can't achieve these same savings.
3. Space and Functionality Deficiencies Negatively Impact Learning & Safety
Existing classrooms are too small—they don’t meet DOE requirements.
Special Education spaces are cramped, housed in renovated bathrooms or closets.
The building layout doesn’t allow for team teaching or grade-level pods, limiting educational flexibility. Science classrooms are located in a separate wing.
Excessive noise from narrow, overcrowded hallways disrupts learning, and poor acoustics in music and performance spaces hinder instruction.
The layout with long halls and limited visibility does not meet the current recommendations for safe layouts against active shooters.
4. Equity Concerns
The school was built prior to the existence of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite consistent efforts to retrofit and adapt the current building, ADA violations are rampant: uneven floors, non-compliant doors, and inaccessible exits. This prevents equitable access for individuals with disabilities.
Repairing these structural safety issues would be costly and still leave a facility that fails to fully support all.
5. High Renovation Costs, Limited Impact
Renovation costs for updating infrastructure (like doors, windows, HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing) would still result in a building that can't achieve net-zero energy or meet long-term needs.
The district has already spent millions on repairs, yet the building continues to deteriorate. Throwing more money into renovation would only prolong the inevitable: it’s more cost-effective to build new.
The concrete block construction of the school has a lifespan of up to 100 years, meaning even a renovated school would only last another 30-40 years at most. You can not save something meant to be disposable, no matter how hard you might try. What we can do is build anew with a long-term vision.
6. Renovating While Kids Are In Class is Dangerous
Renovating a school while students are in session isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous!
Construction projects disrupt daily school operations, with dust, noise, and air quality issues affecting learning and student health.
The 1950s building contains hazardous materials like asbestos, lead paint, and PCBs. Renovation risks exposing students and staff to these health threats, making remediation costly and unsafe.
Safety hazards like exposed wiring, unstable scaffolding, and heavy machinery can make hallways and classrooms unsafe. Proposed options of mobile teaching units AKA trailers are extremely expensive (roughly $200K per classroom), unpleasant for teachers and students, and lack sufficient soundproofing.
The need to contain work zones and reroute student traffic creates logistical nightmares, while the disruption of school activities negatively impacts both student focus and teacher productivity.
These interruptions reduce educational time and create a challenging environment for both staff and students. Learning and safety should come first.
The Bottom Line: Build New for a Stronger Future
The new middle school will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, healthier learning environments, and energy efficiency, ensuring long-term financial savings and sustainability for students, staff, and the community. Renovation would only delay the inevitable, wasting resources without addressing the core issues.
Concord’s students deserve a modern, energy-efficient school that supports their education and well-being for generations to come. Taxpayers deserve a smart, forward-thinking investment that reduces operating costs and strengthens our city’s future. It’s time to move forward and build a school that meets the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Show up and testify at the upcoming PUBLIC HEARING - January 22nd 6pm at CHS Auditorium
Show up at the Middle School Project PUBLIC HEARING and be heard on your choice for the middle school location (rebuilding at Rundlett or Broken Ground School) and to advocate for a NEW school building for our students and city:
Middle School Project Public Hearing
Wednesday, January 22nd
6pm
Concord High School Auditorium
A vocal group is pushing for renovation, but the community stands firmly behind building new. Let’s send a clear message to the School Board: Concord needs a new school now.
Can’t attend? Email Board members and make your voice heard!
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