The Middle School…and So Much More
It’s no secret that I am very excited about a new middle school. I voted for the Rundlett site in 2023 and 2025, and I’m excited to move forward with the current plan. I believe it’s the best path forward — a renovation or a partial build will only cost more and give our students less in the long run. I know this is a significant investment, and I am committed to reducing spending in other budget areas and seeking revenue where we can, from grants to capital campaigns, everything is on the table.
With so much attention paid to this issue, it is easy to overlook that there are many other important budgetary items that affect our taxpayers. Our board and administration has been working diligently to stay on top of rising costs in all areas of the budget– from health insurance rates to 3rd party transportation services to substitutes and unpaid lunch accounts. I serve on the finance committee and am dedicated to understanding and acting on the full scope of our district needs. And I have advocated for areas of need during our yearly budget cycle, such as math coaches, nursing staff, and capital facility projects.
My Opponent
As a community mentor once told me, “beware the single issue candidate.” This was advice to me in my early years on the board and I think of this often when considering my opponent. Jeff is a longtime citizen, and kudos to him for running for local office — it’s not easy. He has been a strong presence at board meetings to oppose the middle school build, both the location and the cost. His primary objective is lower taxes. And that makes sense, we all want lower taxes. But we also need strong public schools where our students and teachers are the focus. I talk a lot about balance, and it’s true, and it takes hard work. You need someone who is looking at all the issues, from facilities, to curriculum, to professional development, to city partnerships. And you need someone who is going to be honest with you about the realities of our finances. Jeff’s team is wooing voters with the promise of cheaper options for the new middle school. Here’s the thing — I can’t tell you that we can build a school for half the price because it’s just not true. We’ve had multiple independent sources tell us that, and it’s hard to hear, and it’s the truth. And while I’m working very hard to bring costs down on this project, I’m working hard on everything else too.
My Work and Interests
I am an administrative professional with experience in government and non-profit work. I currently work for the NH Judicial Branch and previously spent many years as a legal editor for the Colorado State Legislature, a non-partisan position in the Office of Legislative Legal Services. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Public Administration at UNH’s Carsey School of Public Policy.
Cara Meeker, Concord School Board 