Three new school facilities totaling more than $71 million open across Concord this month as Cabarrus County Schools prepares to welcome more than 35,000 students back to class Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The district is set to dedicate the $50.6 million Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary School at 61 Spring St. NW in Concord at noon Tuesday, Aug. 11, completing a week of ribbon-cutting ceremonies that also included the $9.5 million Opportunity School and the $11 million Mary Frances Wall Center at Beverly Hills.
The Coltrane-Webb project is the largest of the three. Built on the school's historic campus, the replacement facility supports Coltrane-Webb's nationally recognized STEM magnet program while honoring nearly 140 years of educational history at the site, according to the Independent Tribune.
Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki and board chairperson Rob Walter appeared at the earlier ceremonies. At the Aug. 7 ribbon-cutting for the Mary Frances Wall Center, Kopicki said the Pre-K facility "represents our commitment to giving every child a strong start."
The Wall Center, on the former Beverly Hills Elementary campus, includes 25,000 square feet of new construction and 10,000 square feet of renovated space. It can serve up to 300 Pre-K students and features secure outdoor playgrounds, expanded parent drop-off and pick-up areas and a fully enclosed campus. YCH Architects of Concord designed the building; G.W. Liles Construction Company built it.
The Opportunity School at 4525 Weddington Road, which held its ribbon-cutting Aug. 6, serves students in grades 6–12 who are referred through their home schools. The facility includes a small gym, murals and classrooms for core academics, career and technical education courses and counseling services. Morris-Berg Architects designed it; New Atlantic Contracting built it.
The $71 million in completed projects comes as the district pursues more construction. A $200 million Limited Obligation Bond approved by the N.C. Local Government Commission in June 2026 will fund a replacement Northwest Cabarrus High School and a new elementary school. A separate $340 million General Obligation Bond is on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot.
As we reported in our back-to-school week coverage, activities began Monday, Aug. 10, with students at traditional schools and early colleges starting classes Wednesday, Aug. 12.
