Article 25 - Transfer of Peabody School and Appropriate Funds

ARTICLE 25. To determine if the Town will authorize the transfer of care, custody, management, and control of three parcels of land known collectively as the “Peabody School Properties” and comprised of 1231 Old Marlboro Road (Parcel ID 3000), 78 Old Pickard Road (Parcel ID 2999), and 68B Powder Mill Road (Parcel ID 2991-7), to the Select Board, and to further authorize a transfer from Free Cash, in the amount of $100,000, or any other amount, to be expended under the direction of the Town Manager to fund operational and maintenance costs associated with the building and land for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article Explanation

The Town opened the new Ellen Garrison Building at the Concord Middle School on February 24, 2025, officially replacing both the Sanborn and Peabody Middle School buildings. As a result, the Sanborn Middle School is slated for demolition, and the Peabody Middle School is no longer needed by Concord Public Schools.

This article proposes transferring the care, custody, management, and control of the Peabody School Properties—comprising three parcels at 1231 Old Marlboro Road, 78 Old Pickard Road, and 68B Powder Mill Road—to the Select Board. This transfer will allow the Town to assume responsibility for the property while evaluating future needs and opportunities. Additionally, the article authorizes a transfer from Free Cash to cover operational and maintenance costs for the property in Fiscal Year 2026.

Article Motion

Ms. Ackerman moves that the Town take affirmative action on Article 25 to authorize the transfer of care, custody, management, and control of three parcels of land known collectively as the “Peabody School Properties” and comprised of 1231 Old Marlboro Road (Parcel ID 3000), 78 Old Pickard Road (Parcel ID 2999), and 68B Powder Mill Road (Parcel ID 2991-7), from the Concord Public Schools to the Select Board, and further to authorize a transfer from the Certified Free Cash Balance as of July 1, 2024, in the amount of $83,000, to be expended under the direction of the Town Manager to fund operational and maintenance costs associated with the building and land for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.