VOICES
WHAT ARE CONCORDIANS SAYING ABOUT EDUCATION?
As hopefully everyone knows, antisemitism has been an increasingly troublesome problem following October 7, 2023. People assume that this is someone else’s problem, but antisemitism is not just a national issue; it is in our town. It’s even in our schools. Bullying is never a joke, even if it isn’t against Jews. Jokes can be funny without being at someone else’s expense. Some of my friends have been personally victimized by antisemitism in the form of swastikas and harsh words. That doesn’t just impact them; it impacts everyone, including me. As a student of the Concord Public Schools, I am horrified at the actions of some of my peers. They make jokes about others’ identities and think that it’s funny. At that point, it turns into a cruel form of bullying that cannot be tolerated. I know that people like Dr. Hunter and Mr. Cameron are trying to help, and the students need to follow suit to stand up against people who take joy in demeaning others. Miles Sperber Old Bedford Road Eighth grade, Concord Middle School November 21, 2025
We would like to thank The Robbins House, Playbook student leaders, and the Concord Public Schools for putting on such a wonderful event on Tuesday evening, November 4. The event was to celebrate and learn more about Ellen Garrison with an educational movie, presentation by the Playbook student leaders, an actor reading historic letters written by Ellen, a question-and-answer session, and student tours of the new Ellen Garrison school building for the community. It was so wonderful to see the faces of neighbors and friends of all ages coming together to learn more about this remarkable woman and her legacy. My 8-year-old daughter was especially inspired to know that Ellen went to the Concord schools just like her, and that she started her activism at a young age. It was so special to be learning more about the incredible Ellen Garrison while at The Ellen Garrison. Thank you for putting on such a wonderful event for all of us. Alison & Audrey (age 8) Hassinger Elsinore Street November 21, 2025
On October 18, a disturbing display appeared in Concord bearing the words “The hatchet for Hunter” and “Fire Liar Hunter,” placed near the home of a School Committee member. No matter our personal opinions about school leadership, this kind of act is not an expression of concern — it is intimidation. It sends the wrong message to our children about how adults handle disagreement. Concord has always held itself to a higher standard. Concord is a community that values education, respect, and thoughtful conversation. Those are the lessons we want our students to learn — and we must demonstrate them ourselves. In recent months, a small and vocal group of residents has regularly attended School Committee meetings, making harsh and often unfounded claims about our schools and those who lead them. Debate and accountability are vital, but they only serve us when grounded in honesty and empathy. The picture painted in public comment does not reflect what most students, teachers, and families experience each day — schools filled with caring educators and committed professionals who work tirelessly on behalf of our children. We should expect the same integrity and sense of responsibility from those who serve on town boards and committees. Public service is an opportunity to strengthen our shared community, not divide it. As parents and families, we share a common hope: To raise children who are kind, curious, and respectful. That work doesn’t just happen in classrooms — it happens in how we treat one another. Let’s stand together for our schools, our educators, and the values we want our children to see in us. Kelly Ryan Birch Drive November 14, 2025
We, members of the Concord Carlisle Teachers Association Executive Committee, are deeply disappointed at the continual harassment of Dr. Laurie Hunter. These attacks are unacceptable, deeply disturbing, and unproductive, and we urge the community to stand up against actions that undermine civil discourse. Dr. Hunter is a highly competent leader who has dedicated her time, energy, and expertise to the Concord and Concord-Carlisle School Districts. We, the teachers, counselors, nurses, and librarians of the CCTA, stand behind her. There is always room for constructive discussion and critical feedback in an effort to continually improve. However, acts of intimidation and harassment do not have any place in the pursuit of progress. Our students — the young people of Concord, Carlisle, and Boston — watch what we do and learn from what they see. We ask that the community uphold the values that we teach in the classroom — that even deeply held disagreements can be discussed respectfully and with civility. Our community, our students, and our leaders deserve better. Andrew Fall President, CCTA Executive Committee Walden Street November 7, 2025
I am a school parent who has been heavily involved in various ways over the last nine years. I know firsthand that our schools are diverse, vibrant, and overwhelmingly positive places. I think this is due first to the basic nature of our community, and also to the schools’ sincere and intensive inclusion programming, which taps outside expertise and is a significant part of the educational experience. Any incident of hurtful language or bullying is terrible and must be properly addressed. But it is wrong to seize upon inherently isolated events and cast them as somehow characteristic of our highly progressive schools. Any such suggestion is untrue, and it defames not just our schools’ adults, but the thousands of students themselves, who engage in innumerable respectful and positive personal interactions each day and who deserve to have that recognized and affirmed. Those who wish for different or more extensive inclusion efforts, or even new leadership, have every right to express their opinions. But I do not understand why some town residents have seen fit to speak so harshly on this topic (“bastions of hate”) and/or so extremely (e.g., calling peremptorily for firings). This atmosphere has now led to scarecrows targeting female school leaders, and there is no question that this campaign is creating fear, depressing morale at the schools, and discouraging civic participation — especially among parents, since engaging in barbed public debates conflicts with the sensitive work of raising children. I ask that other similarly minded parents try their best, despite this atmosphere, to speak up on behalf of our schools and our students. Helen Clancy Monsen Road November 7, 2025
Concord Middle School Re-Naming
Personal attacks on Superintendent Hunter, particularly from individuals with limited current connection to our schools, undermine constructive dialogue about our educational goals. Dr. Hunter’s collaborative approach, legal compliance, and unwavering commitment to creating safe, inclusive learning environments deserve continued support. Our schools reflect the values she champions: acceptance, growth, and respect for all.
Heather Shafner Bout
9/12/25
Parents, educators, town officials, and residents must come together to share responsibility and create meaningful change. Dr. Hunter is not the problem. The real test is whether our community is willing to stop looking for easy targets and start the harder work of building lasting solutions.
Julie Viola
9/12/25
I believe Dr. Hunter has done great things for our schools and has led us well through many challenges. I also believe that she can do more, and must be held accountable for building a true culture of inclusion and intolerance for hate. Let’s come together with Dr. Hunter and the CCHS team to identify and implement actions to create a safer, more welcoming CCHS.
Kathleen MacDonald
9/12/25
I was shocked to receive the voter information packet from the town regarding the upcoming ballot questions and to see it include an opinion so hostile to our school system that it describes appropriately funding the construction of an amenities building as “bullying” and the addition of ADA compliant restrooms as “self-serving.” I should not be surprised, though, since the argument against approving the debt exclusion exemplifies the problem we are facing as a community: any spending by the schools, whether for necessary infrastructure updates or even simple operating budgets, is seen by a loud and aggressive minority of townspeople as frivolous.
Serena Crosina
8/12/25
I am a not-very-agile octogenarian grandmother. Between 2019 and 2030 seven of our grandchildren will have attended CCHS. Since 2019 my husband and I have spent countless hours cheering on field hockey, tennis, soccer, softball, baseball (and soon to be cheerleaders and lacrosse) teams. At times I have been faced with a dilemma: Should I brave the porta-potties, climb the hill, or go home early?
Joanne Gibson
8/8/25
This anonymous act of intimidation is deeply disturbing and unacceptable, and it appears to be escalating, as the message this time included references to violence… Concord is better than this. We will not allow fear and violence to dictate the administration of our schools.”
Andrew Herchek - SC Chair
10/21/25
It is now time to hear specific denouncements of antisemitism publicly by Concord faith communities and by our community organizations — environmental, human service, cultural, political, and other worthy groups within Concord. Antisemitism is not someone else’s problem. It is here in Concord. It is deeply affecting the Jewish families in our town, and it must be addressed by the full community. Let’s show that Concord will live up to the values it espouses.
I call on my community and on each Concord organization to condemn antisemitism publicly. Call it for what it is. Anything short of that leads to acceptance of antisemitism and eventually violence.
It has been five weeks. Now is the time to stand up against antisemitism and to be part of the work to eradicate it from our community.
Hope Rubin
8/8/25
I was very impressed with the recent panel discussion on limiting smartphone use in schools hosted by Alexa Anderson and the “Turning Life On” non-profit at Concord Middle School on May 14.
To me, bell-to-bell bans of smartphones in schools are a no-brainer, and as a parent of children on the verge of starting grade school, such a policy could not come soon enough. But, somehow, it hasn’t happened.
To influence local policy, the most impactful thing we can do is to write letters in support of phone-free schools to the Concord-Carlisle Regional District School Committee. I intend to do so and hope you will, too.
Nathan Emley
5/30/2025
Thanks so much for these updates. I love the “meeting digest”’style! I often don’t have time to watch the meetings in their entirety, so I hugely appreciate you sending along the salient points. You guys do great work and we are so grateful for you! Happy to continue helping with spreading the word about this organization and its noble mission.
Sharlene Dorothy
4/16/25
CCGS Invites Local Citizens to Participate
From The Concord Bridge: February 14, 2025
"With its enduring commitment to education and intellectual growth, Concord is known for its excellent schools and dedication to a culture of learning. As our community continues to grow and evolve, the need for engaged citizens who advocate for excellence in public education has never been greater. That’s why I’m writing to introduce Concord Community for Great Schools (CCGS), a grassroots effort dedicated to supporting and strengthening our public school system.
CCGS is a group of concerned citizens who actively monitor school-related matters, attend public meetings related to school issues, and share vital information via a monthly “Education Update” email newsletter. We believe that strong schools are the cornerstone of a thriving community and that educational excellence requires active participation — especially by parents and newcomers to Concord who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our civic discourse.
Our mission extends beyond just sharing information. We aim to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping the future of Concord’s schools. This includes advocating for school-related initiatives that enhance educational opportunities for our children and supporting candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to maintaining and improving our educational system.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member who believes in the power of public education, we invite you to visit our website to sign up for regular updates about school-related matters, reminders about upcoming meetings, and opportunities to make your voice heard. Together, we can ensure that Concord’s schools continue to provide the exceptional education our children deserve.
Sign up today at concordcommunityforgreatschools.com/signup. Every voice matters in building stronger schools for our community. Join us."
Jeff Suarez
Oxbow Road
Furniture delivery is set to begin this week at the new Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School. This is another step toward the anticipated February 24 opening, a milestone that has been made possible by the extraordinary dedication and hard work of the Concord Middle School Building Committee and their partners. I want to express my gratitude to community members who voted to fund this project, seeing the need for this new school and the financial advantages of moving forward without delay given the increasing costs of construction. Most of all, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Building Committee members for their tireless work. I hope others in the community will join me in recognizing their efforts and supporting them as they complete this exciting project.
Yumi Yasutake
Oxbow Road
"When my younger child was at Thoreau Elementary, I worked with Sandeep in his role as the treasurer of the Parent Teacher Group. This position is so important to maintain accurate records and determine financial oversight for all activities supported and funded by the PTG, and this is a position that Sandeep still holds while his children attend the school. Currently, and for the past two years, I have worked alongside Sandeep on the Concord Education Fund Board. On the board of CEF, Sandeep again fills the treasurer role and provides fiscal responsibility and oversight of the many donated dollars from community members. He also ensures accuracy and compliance for the dissemination of funds for grants awarded to our schools. I have seen his determination and work ethic and feel that he is a role model for all Concord children."
Jenifer Perry
Concord
"Ellen Garrison was a revolutionary leader, a civil rights and education advocate like none other in Concord’s history. Thanks to the Robbins House many people, myself included, have been educated about this amazing woman. Good schools use their names for inspiration, guiding students to strive for the ethics, values and beliefs which their namesake stood for. What better name could we choose than Ellen Garrison?"
Matt Conroy
Concord
"Efforts by Mary Hartman, the Select Board Chair, and Mark Howell, the Select Board Clerk, to add Court Booth to the CMS Building Committee through the Board’s administrative consent without transparency or discussion perpetuates and supports a wide-spread belief that Town leaders appoint “insiders” who think similarly and are not representative of the broader and more diverse community."
Mark Martines
Concord
"We want to express our disappointment and concern. This decision reveals a misunderstanding of what inclusion truly means. Inclusion is about fully embracing and elevating the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who have been historically marginalized. We are particularly alarmed by the way the naming process was conducted. It lacked transparency and rigor, with a noticeable absence of evidence-based debate. Instead, it was marred by personal opinions and groupthink, lacking critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives and undermining the principles of inclusion and representation that we, as a community, strive to uphold."
Andrea Foncerrada and Joe Palumbo, Co-Chairs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission
"There is no right or wrong in the Concord Middle School naming discussion. Ellen Garrison was a terrific American and Concordian. The Concord School Committee named our new school Concord Middle School. We look forward to seeing our grandchildren attend Concord Middle School and read about the life and accomplishments of Ellen Garrison. Time to move on."
Bill and Angela Healy MD
Concord
“The opposition’s refusal to back down here is really driving a major wedge in our town. It’s harmful, it’s not very inclusive,… We cannot and should not allow the DEI committee to overrule the decisions of our elected officials. That’s really just bad governance, and I think it sets a terrible precedent. Due to this whole issue, many of our School Committee members are now being labeled as racists. I mean, that’s just a horrible thought. These are volunteers. They didn’t sign up to deal with this nonsense.”
Greg Creamer
Concord
"I think that they should name the school after Ms. Garrison. But I fear that would be the end of the discussion, and it shouldn’t be. Nobody objected to the nobility of Ms. Garrison, nor to the fact that the town has woefully failed to acknowledge the presence of African Americans in the town from its earliest days. And this could be the seed that allows us to get past any lingering rancor and to find a way to honor the continued presence and contributions of African Americans in Concord."
Nick Pappas
Concord
"From time to time, certain issues arise that grip the citizens of our town. The naming of the new middle school seems to be one of them. As rumors swirl of confrontations and public shaming of elected officials, this year’s Town Meeting promises to be a heated one, especially when Article 22 surfaces. Absent the privacy of the voting booth, the paper ballot at least provides a similar level of anonymity and allows both voters and elected town officials to freely express their choices and avoid the current incivilities that are so uncharacteristic of Concord."
Pierce Browne
Concord
“You can have principles, but sometimes you have to be flexible [when] good people are having those dialogues with you. We are all good and decent people really trying to do the right thing for our community. And even though the way we achieve it might look a little different, I think what needs to unite us is the fact that we are all supportive of kids and belonging and diversity and inclusion.”
Alexa Anderson - School Committee Chair
Concord
"At Town Meeting it was accurately said: there’s not a single public building in Concord named for a person of color. But now there is. And it’s the newest, most expensive public building in Concord history... I urge others, who like myself Stand Up For Ellen, to support the School Committee action."
Eric Van Loon
Concord
“The School Committee did take action on Tuesday evening. They reconsidered the middle school name and chose to recognize Ellen Garrison by naming the building. In doing so, I believe they have fulfilled their obligation to take Town Meeting’s recommendation into account. That action is also a commitment to the values of courage and service that we have come to understand about the story of the life of Ellen Garrison. That story and its stewardship now resides with the Concord Middle School community.”
Mark Howell
Concord Select Board DEI Commission Liason
New Middle School Funding
"Is a mid-single digit escalation factor enough to force us to start over and, inevitably, it seems to me, pay a new cost grown by an additional 3-5 years of inflation? I certainly feel that it is not. Please vote in favor of the additional expenditure for the new middle school."
Peter Atwood
Ministerial Drive
"After an hours-long hearing last week, the 15-member Finance Committee voted to support Article 5 on the special Town Meeting warrant, which asks the town for $7.2 million to add to the approved $102.8 million to build a new Middle School."
Concord Bridge Reporting
"The Select Board recommends affirmative action on Article 5...The majority believes it's better to proceed because the potential cost of additional design work and project delays diminish the savings opportunities at this stage."
Matt Johnson
Chair, Concord Select Board
Jan 19, 2023
"I feel like The Bridge’s coverage of the proposed construction of the new middle school has been noticeably negative. I would like to see more balanced / neutral coverage of this topic going forward."
James Cohane
Central Street
"Delaying the project further will only increase our tax burden, as costs keep rising, which is why the Finance Committee voted overwhelmingly for “affirmative action” regarding this vote. If it fails, we will incur $5M in fees, 6-9 months of delay and have to cut $11M more from the design, including the community-use elements, while construction costs continue to escalate."
Marc Caruso, Joel Gagne, Wilson Kerr, Jessica Reed, Jeff Suarez, Peggy Wargelin, Yumi Yasutake
Concord
"Whenever we are thinking of the cost of something we have to also think of the costs of not doing it. And in this case the costs of not doing it are vast."
Concord Neighbor
13 Concord Greene
"We are less than half the population. The remaining population is the children who cannot vote. They need this building. They need music.. They need a fully-sized gym....we need to vote yes on this.."
Elisabeth Winterkorn
Concord Association of Music Parents
"The vision of a unified Concord Middle School has been decades in the making. The schools that have housed grades six, seven, and eight were not intended for this use over forty years ago. Providing a learning environment to further the preparation and confidence students experience will allow student needs to be met for another fifty years. Creating a united school with teams focused on connections will enhance the climate for learning. Providing appropriate space for the extraordinary range of programs and opportunities for all students will further student opportunities and experiences. It is an exciting opportunity to see the vision actualized and optimally service the children of Concord."
Concord Middle School Educational Program
Approved by the Concord School Committee
January 26, 2021
“The reason for the broad voting support among parents and non parents based on all the documents, coffee hours and presentations made before and during the meeting was that rejecting the budget extension and going back to cut costs would end up costing more and more tax dollars because of how costly the planning process is.” He added that redoing the entire design “would add months or years of time that little kids are going to the current dilapidated middle school.”
John Cooley
Concord
"The ceiling in the gym sheds debris that the kids have affectionately dubbed “ceiling dandruff.” Even though I hate paying taxes, even though my kids are too old to benefit from a new building, I am willing to pay my share to ensure the health and safety of the students, faculty and staff in our town. Please show your support for a new middle school."
Tiffany Thompson Pomeroy
Concord
"The Middle School is a town project, as all school construction is. Our public schools need to be supported proudly by everyone. Come vote for the children who cannot vote and support this project February 16."
Kitsy Rothermel
Musketaquid Road
"The cost for the project has increased for reasons the committee could not control or fully mitigate despite their best efforts. Costs for this project are unlikely to decrease in the future and redesigning the project, as will possibly be the case if this article is voted down, will cost us more in the long run, not less... we recommend an affirmative vote on article 5."
Concord Carlisle League Of Women Voters
Jan 19, 2023
"I was at the Special Town Meeting. The vote was definitive. The decision to pass the debt exclusion moved forward... Indeed, there has been a groundswell of support for the new middle school and a tremendous relief that the article passed."
Elizabeth Crowell
Hubbard Street
"These concerns were weighed against other important factors. The Committee acknowledged that the addition of $7,200,000 to the bond authorization was not a major driver of the overall increased cost to taxpayers. The cost of borrowing at a higher interest rate has a larger impact and would occur even if the debt authorization is not increased. And significant weight was given to the CMSBC’s warning that disapproval of Article 5, which would require it to build the school within the original authorization, would result in a significant re-design, considerable cost increases, and a delay of six to nine months in the project. Taking all these factors into consideration, and after thoughtful and detailed discussion, the Finance Committee recommends affirmative action on Article 5..."
TOWN OF CONCORD
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
"These two schools should have been replaced years ago. They were built in the 1960s. I think the town has got its money’s worth. Please vote yes for funding the new middle school. Do it for the kids."
Jonas Killeen
Westford Rd
"We are 81 and 89-year-old Concord residents and are writing in favor of the new Concord Middle School building...The process of rebuilding the schools has been spread out over more than 20 years; it is time to finish the school buildings now. Please vote on Thursday Feb 16 in support of the small additional cost of the new CMS building."
Robert & D’Nena Moore
Hillside Ave.
"For me, it feels important to acknowledge the potential impacts of inflation on projects such as the New Middle School Project – and in managing the town more broadly. The economy has changed over the past year and we, as a town, have the opportunity to acknowledge that change via the upcoming vote. I will vote ‘Yes’ to support the Proposed New Maximum Budget..."
Patrick F. Martin
Westford Road
"Voters should know that Dr. Hunter and the new School Building Cmt. have worked for years to ensure that the middle school process be as inclusive and transparent as possible...The time to build this school is now. The project will never be cheaper!"
Cory Atkins
Former State Representative
14th Middlesex District
"Going back now and drawing up plans for a less expensive alternative will only further increase costs, delay the inarguable need for a school, and commit another year of our children to be schooled in outfitted trailers. Let’s not be penny-wise and pound-foolish again. Vote YES on February 16th."
Mark and Dawn Mullins
Tarbell Spring Road
"I believe that the Concord Public School FY24 Budget Plan for a 4.7% increase is warranted and reasonable. A level services budget is an appropriate response to the needs and current economic conditions. I was disappointed that neither the Finance Committee or Select Board has elected to recommend that budget to Town Meeting. I will support the CPS budget at the level recommended by the CPS School Committee at Town Meeting. I was quite moved by the presentation made at the Finance Committee Hearing on March 9...I will be disappointed if this year the boards do not come together. However, I plan to support the School Committee recommendation at Town Meeting. I urge others to do so as well."
Mark Howell - Select Board Member Elect
Concord, MA
"I don't know how many people have walked through either Sanborn or Peabody, but those buildings are held together by duct tape and love... The facilities are outdated and they are falling apart..what children are experiencing every day. That's real...think of the children."
Chris Price
Concord, MA
"We can’t afford to delay this project any longer. To think that we can simply start over, redesign it and still meet the objectives, and that doing so will somehow cost us less money is not in line with reality. Our kids deserve a quality educational experience that meets this moment. Vote YES on February 16, and please thank those who have worked so hard on this, for so long."
Lynda Ferrari
Concord
"I believe an analytic eye will conclude that a “No” vote now delays the process and so may result ultimately in even higher cost later. The unremitting inflation in construction costs during delay raises our price tag; a “No” vote may well mean even higher taxes later, so becomes self-defeating.
David Allen
Concord
"I am grateful to live in a town that values education and has held a town meeting that voted in favor of a new middle school facility. I voted for the new middle school. Living in a town that values economic diversity and its citizens of varying age and ability is an important part of our children’s social and civic education."
Anne Fortier
Old Pickard Road
"In my judgment, the approval of the additional funds requested by the CMSBC is both an appropriate educational investment and a sound financial decision...When it is completed, I have no doubt that this building will be a tremendous asset for the town!"
Timothy Hult
South Meadow Ridge
"Our current middle school is outdated and does not have the resources or facilities to adequately support the educational needs of our students. Investing in the education of our youth is an investment in the future of our town. The long-term benefits of the project far outweigh any short-term financial costs. Vote YES...support the additional funding needed to make the new middle school a reality."
Lauren McCauslin
Hayward Mill Road
"Could some additional features of the middle school design have been reasonably cut? Sure, but it’s too late! If we do not fully fund this project now, it will only become more expensive later. Vote Yes in the Special Town Election for the additional money needed to get this school built."
Bob Andrews
Staffordshire Lane