GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Prior to Christa McAuliffe Elementary School’s opening in 2012, the Concord School District gathered input from educators and community leaders on the building’s design. A key decision – the flooring. The school wanted a durable, low-maintenance surface that delivered cost savings over time. nora® rubber flooring fit the bill. 

Fast forward to 2024. How is the material holding up? “The floors look like they were installed yesterday,” says Matt Cashman, Director of Facilities and Planning for the Concord School District. 

Built to Withstand the Test of Time

Christa McAuliffe students can be tough on floors. And New England’s harsh winters mean kids track mud, salt, and sand indoors. Despite it all, the floors continue to perform beautifully.

“These floors can withstand anything – even the messes that a kindergartner can throw at them,” says Principal Krista Gallo, who has been with the school since its opening.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

While some schools choose VCT flooring for its affordability and durability, it can require extensive maintenance. Unlike VCT, nora rubber flooring requires no protective coating. This saves the janitorial staff time. And the school money. 

Head Custodian Wayne Rourke appreciates the reduced workload: “With these floors, all it takes is a scrub and a high-speed buff to make them look brand new.”

A Long-Term Investment in Design 

Despite a higher upfront cost, long-term savings made nora rubber flooring a worthwhile investment.  

According to Cashman, “VCT typically lasts around 14 years. With nora® rubber floors, the lifespan is upwards of 30 years. We haven’t had to replace any of our rubber flooring, and it still looks brand new over a decade later."