Judith Kurtz, Concord City Councilor:
As a first-term city councilor, I had a lot to learn about the dynamics of the job. As I sought mentors to guide me, I consistently turned to Cara Meeker as a model elected official – thoughtful, diligent, responsible – and I will proudly be supporting her for School Board Zone B on November 4th!
If the future of Rundlett Middle School is the most important issue for you, Cara has been on the right side of it, voting both times to keep the school in the South End as her constituents overwhelmingly asked. The fact that she chose to continue working to ensure progress on the project is a testament to her capacity to advocate fiercely, and, when necessary, redirect her energy towards what is in the best interests of those she serves: current and future taxpayers and Concord students.
For those who understand that the challenges facing School Boards across the state extend far beyond a single building’s fate, there is no better-qualified candidate than Cara Meeker. She does not claim to be an expert in areas she is not, putting forward oversimplified “solutions” to complicated and difficult issues. Instead, she does her research, checks the facts, holds experts accountable and communicates all of this clearly to the community. Faced with the myriad and far-reaching problems facing schools across the country and in NH, I want a representative who cares about ALL of the issues and who has a vision for a thriving community today and in the future.
Meredith Cooley, Concord Greenspace:
As Concord prepares to vote for School Board, I urge residents to re-elect Cara Meeker—a leader who keeps education, not politics, at the heart of every decision.
Her opponent, Jeff Wells, argues that Concord should “pause and reassess” school spending because enrollment is down and taxes are rising. Affordability concerns are real, but the School Board’s mission is to educate students—not to manage the city’s tax system. Cutting investment in education doesn’t fix state-level inequities; it only harms our children and weakens the community we share.
Mr. Wells cites enrollment declines and rising per-pupil costs to oppose the new Rundlett Middle School. But whether there are 3,000 or 3,700 students, heating systems, roofs, and accessibility requirements don’t shrink with class size. Independent engineers and architects have confirmed that renovating the existing Rundlett is neither feasible nor cost-effective. The Board’s decision to build a new school reflects professional guidance, fiscal responsibility, and a long-term vision for Concord’s future.
Instead of attacking local educators and volunteers, the Concerned Citizens of Concord should channel their energy toward the real issue—tax reform at the state level to ensure fair funding for all students. Strong schools protect property values, attract families, and sustain community vitality. Concord gains nothing by pitting retirees against families; a thriving community invests in both education and affordability.
On November 4, vote to re-elect Cara Meeker for School Board—because investing in our students is investing in Concord.
Nicole Fox, District Parent
I enthusiastically support Cara Meeker for reelection to School Board Zone B (Wards 5, 6, & 7). During her current term, Cara voted to rebuild Rundlett Middle School at its current location both times it came to a vote. She has been consistent in putting the needs of students first, while also keeping costs to taxpayers at top of mind.
As a civil engineer, member of Concord Greenspace and of the Middle School Building Committee, I have been a consistent advocate for building the school on South Street. Cara has been the same, tirelessly reflecting the desires of her constituents. Those who criticize her for not continuously fighting for this location after the first decision, ignore that she followed the process, accepted the vote, and immediately worked to provide the best solution possible. Isn’t that what we want in our elected officials? Those who will fight the good fight, but accept reality in loss and move forward to make the best of it?
I have attended countless school board and building committee meetings where Cara has worked to face the reality that the existing Rundlett is not meeting the needs of Concord’s children, cannot realistically be renovated to meet those needs, and that these needs must be balanced with the challenge of affordability. She does this while also devoting attention to the many other real concerns facing the School Board and earning the respect of her fellow board members. Cara is a voice for her constituents, for children and for reason.
Pamela Walsh, School Board President
Cara and I currently serve together on the school board. We do not agree on every issue, but she is thoughtful, does her homework and puts the best interests of students and taxpayers first. She is willing to think outside of the box to help find solutions to major challenges. I urge you to vote for Cara Meeker for Zone B.
Liz Boucher, Concord School Board Member
Building bridges with collaborative discussion
We are living in a time of mistrust perpetuated by obscured information. Without the ability or willingness to critically analyze content, we are more likely to spread misinformation. Perpetual bombardment by information that suits our own interest through algorithms and AI, obscures the whole story. Though we do not have the power to immediately change national leaders and their rhetoric, we do have the power in November to decide our most local elected leaders — those who shape the discourse of our daily lives.
I am hoping for a slate of Concord city and school leaders that can build bridges together, respect one another as elected officials and advance our community forward — not with misinformation but with capacity building, caring word choice, motivation of others and willingness to listen and understand. An inspiring leader is effective by encouraging people to step up, share ideas, take ownership for initiatives and be accountable for results. You can choose trust or mistrust to promote neighborly discussion. I choose to trust because I don’t want to live in fear. I want to see progress.
Please join me in voting for Cara Meeker School Board Zone B in order to continue respectful and collaborative discussion of problems facing our public schools and our district. Cara’s ability to critically assess information, understand laws and utilize policies, is essential for the accountability and credibility of the board. Vote to reelect a champion for students, staff and families of the Concord School District; Cara Meeker for School Board — we have to move forward.
Cara Meeker, Concord School Board 