Opinion: Count me as a ‘no’ on questions one and two in Concord

A rendering of the location of a new Concord middle school near Broken Ground and Mill Brook schools on the city's East side.

A rendering of the location of a new Concord middle school near Broken Ground and Mill Brook schools on the city's East side.

By JENNIFER KRETOVIC

Published: 10-29-2024 6:15 AM

Jennifer Kretovic is a Concord City Councilor for Ward 3.

The November ballot questions are a hot topic of discussion, and I’m often asked for my opinion. Personally, I am voting “no” on referendum question one and a “hell no” on question two.

The first referendum presumes to prevent the school board from changing the location of any existing school as of January 1, 2024. As the Monitor reported in its recent poll of residents: “The charter amendment ballot questions may not necessarily be the referendums on the middle school location some are making them out to be.”

The second referendum would require voter approval before the district could sell, gift, or exchange any property it owns.

Perspective is important. In my part of the city, my neighbors and I once pushed for unifying the two school districts into one. We envisioned a more cohesive community instead of the divide that persists today. While some may find this idea far-fetched, it was based on solid reasoning. Concord would have retained properties like Penacook Elementary and Merrimack Valley Middle and High School, and neighboring communities could have continued attending those schools.

Over time, we could have reduced costs by eliminating redundant district offices, preserving forested land, and addressing declining enrollment in both districts. Smaller class sizes, which many parents desire, would have remained intact. Traffic patterns would have shifted, but not increased significantly, and the infrastructure was already in place.

In this northern corner of the city, we were proud “Yes, in my backyard!” supporters, embracing positive change. Unfortunately, our vision was dismissed as too expensive over a decade ago.

Now, regardless of where the middle school is built, whether on a new site or the old one, we’re being asked to bear a steep cost. With a spending cap of $152 million and an average home value of $350,000 in Concord, your school district tax bill could increase by: $378 per year without state aid, or $147 per year with state aid (the lightest hit to your household budget).

Choosing to pivot now and keep the middle school at the Rundlett site would potentially result in even higher costs for taxpayers, due to redesigns and contingency plans during construction. It’s unrealistic to assume that the design planned for Broken Ground can simply be transferred to Rundlett. We would essentially be starting over. If that’s the plan, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the idea of consolidating the two districts. Otherwise, we need to compromise and move forward with discussions around the Broken Ground site. Enough is enough. The ongoing arguments and divisiveness need to stop.

The second referendum has an equally significant impact: if passed, it would prevent the district from selling or exchanging land at Broken Ground or the Rundlett site. Either of these properties could be transformed into much-needed housing, adding to our tax base and helping address the growing need for affordable and workforce housing in Concord. By blocking the district from divesting such properties, we limit future opportunities for responsible growth, tax base expansion, and economic benefits for the city.

The debate about the new middle school site reflects broader concerns — transparency, accountability, and ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in decision-making. Voting “yes” or “no” on these referendums won’t resolve those deeper issues. What will matter is voting for candidates who listen and act on behalf of the community.

It’s also important to acknowledge the work of the current school board, particularly those running for re-election. They have been working hard to engage with the community throughout this process. This discussion has been ongoing for over 10 years, with community input at every stage. The board has listened, weighed the concerns of residents, and made thoughtful decisions based on the best information available. Unfortunately, some candidates in this race are less informed about the complexities of these issues and are spreading misleading narratives.

As the election approaches, I urge you to do your homework. Support candidates who have shown their commitment to listening and making informed, balanced decisions for the future of our schools. That’s how we ensure our voices are truly heard.

While I serve as a city councilor, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I encourage all residents to carefully consider these important issues. We are too big of a city to lose the autonomy of the Concord School Board, and too small of a town to let division drive us apart.