Ridgefield Board Of Education Advances Policy Updates, Reviews Budget And Curriculum Plans

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Board of Education on March 24 approved a series of policy updates, discussed its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and reviewed curriculum initiatives, while awaiting a decision from the Board of Finance.

The meeting included multiple unanimous votes, a split decision on a Title IX-related policy, and a presentation on a proposed new U.S. history textbook.

Budget remains under review

Superintendent Susie Da Silva said the district is awaiting feedback from the Board of Finance following a public hearing and upcoming deliberations.

Related: Ridgefield School Board Proposes $125.3M FY27 Budget, 4.62% Increase, On 6-3 Vote

“We hope the Board of Finance adopts the budget as is, and we still have more work to be done,” Da Silva said.

Finance officials are expected to vote on the town and school budgets later this month, ahead of a referendum in May.

Public comment calls for long-term planning

During public comment, Ridgefield resident Dawn-Marie Callahan urged the board to develop a long-term strategic plan to guide future budgets and priorities.

“I just feel like we would be greatly facilitated by having a real, implemented plan that you look to as a guidance,” Callahan said.

Related: Ridgefield Board Of Finance Hears Public Input On Budget Ahead Of Final Decisions

She said aligning annual budget decisions with broader goals could help both board members and the public better understand spending priorities.

Outreach committee begins work

Board Chair Tina Malhotra reported that the newly formed outreach committee held its first meeting, identifying four guiding priorities that include student input and engagement with community groups such as the PTA.

Future meetings will be recorded, and additional board members may participate depending on agenda topics, Malhotra said.

Textbook recommendation moves forward

Administrators presented a recommendation to adopt a new U.S. history textbook for Ridgefield High School, replacing a resource last published in 2002.

Annie Tucci, grades 6–12 humanities curriculum supervisor, said the proposal follows a “rigorous review process” involving teachers and students.

The recommended McGraw Hill textbook would include both print and digital access, with features designed to support inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction and accessibility.

The estimated cost is about $52,000, covering textbooks, a six-year digital license and professional development.

The board did not vote on the proposal, which will return at a future meeting.

Title IX policy draws dissent

The board approved revisions to its Title IX student policy in a 6–1 vote after discussion about potential legal conflicts between federal law and Connecticut statutes regarding gender identity.

Board member Robert Martire raised concerns that the policy could expose the district to litigation or loss of federal funding, citing ongoing cases involving other Connecticut school districts.

Martire cited Title IX-fueled legal battles embroiling the public schools in Cromwell, Canton, Bloomfield and Waterbury that are threatening their federal funding.

"I'm just concerned that this is going to wind up opening us to further litigation and possibly [loss of] funding," Martire said. "It really puts us in a bad spot."

Malhotra said the board is required to follow state law.

“We are agents of the Connecticut Department … we have a responsibility to be in compliance with Connecticut laws,” Malhotra said.

Board member Christine More said the policy is legally required.

“There is no debate that this is a legally required policy … we’re required to adopt this policy,” More said.

Related: Ridgefield BOE Policy Committee Advances Title IX Updates, Repeals, Continues Library Review

District officials said existing Connecticut law has not changed, and the updated policy consolidates procedures and reflects current requirements.

Additional policies approved

The board approved several other policy changes, most by unanimous vote, including:

• Revisions to non-discrimination policies for students, staff and the community
• Updates to student dress code policy
• Adoption of a new library collection development policy
• New policies on parental access to instructional materials and curricular exemptions
• Rescission of outdated policies, including one related to married or pregnant students

Enrollment and staffing updates

Enrollment increased slightly to 4,408 students, up six from the previous report, driven by gains at the preschool level.

Administrators also reported routine staffing changes since February.

Next steps

The Board of Education will meet with the Board of Finance for further budget discussions and is scheduled to reconvene April 14 following spring break.