Concord School Committee Hears Solar Update as Grant Bid Falls Short

CONCORD -- May 20, 2026, Concord School Committee learns solar grant denied, pivots to private power purchase deal. The Concord pre-K-8 School Committee heard Wednesday that the middle school solar project was passed over for a Green School Works grant, one of 61 applicants sharing $19 million, with $18.5 million going to heating and cooling projects rather than solar. Jason, presenting for the Concord Municipal Light Plant, said the utility is now pursuing a power purchase agreement under which a private developer would cover all upfront costs in exchange for a per-kilowatt-hour payment, with a Light Board vote targeted for June 18 and a possible construction start this summer. On math, Curriculum Director Shelley presented early findings from a district-wide review committee that has met five times since January, identifying Everyday Math as no longer meeting state high-quality standards and flagging the absence of dedicated elementary math specialists as a structural gap, with a formal budget request for that position expected next cycle. Business Manager Bob reported the district has frozen discretionary spending for the remainder of FY26 and may draw on roughly $600,000 in circuit-breaker reserves to avoid ending the year in the red, with higher legal costs and a more expensive heating season cited as the main drivers. More than 100 parents affiliated with the newly formed Intentional Tech Coalition urged the committee to compile a baseline report on technology and AI tool use across grade levels and establish a technology advisory committee.