Carlisle and Concord School Committees Unanimously Back Decarbonization Roadmap

CARLISLE -- June 16, 2026, Concord-Carlisle school committees unanimously endorse decarbonization roadmap, clearing path for $1 million state grant. The Concord School Committee and Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee voted 6-0 Monday to endorse the town of Concord's Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap, the final local step needed for Concord to apply for a Climate Leader Community designation before the June 30 deadline. Concord Deputy Town Manager Megan Zamuto told the committees the roadmap, covering five active school buildings including Concord-Carlisle High School, all relying on natural gas heat, "is not a capital plan, not an authorization to spend money," but would unlock a $1 million state grant for municipal energy projects. Assistant Superintendent Bob Ackerman noted the plan "will not prevent us from buying a diesel bus" and creates no obligation for specific projects. The committees also unanimously approved a 2026-2029 maintenance union collective bargaining agreement described as "a slow, progressive contract" to bring staff pay in line with Town of Concord maintenance workers, and heard a preview of a proposed 10-year electric bus lease with Highland Fleet Solutions at $28,600 per bus annually, no vote was taken on the bus deal.