Ridgefield BOE Reviews Auditorium Plans, Roof Projects And New School Builds

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Education’s Strategic Planning Committee met Aug. 25 to review progress on major school construction projects, including Ridgefield High School auditorium renovations, roof replacements, and the new alternative high school.

Auditorium Renovation Options

Representatives from BBS Architects presented three renovation scenarios for the Ridgefield High School auditorium, ranging in cost from $9.5 million to as much as $45 million.

Option one focuses on interior improvements such as new seating, acoustics, lighting, and accessibility. Option two, priced at about $26 million, would expand the lobby, add bathroom facilities, provide new practice rooms, and improve storage space, addressing what music faculty described as critical program needs. A third option, involving construction of a new auditorium to the tune of between $35-45 million, was deemed potentially disruptive due to impacts on parking and solar panel infrastructure.

Music director Michael McNamara said option two best meets the needs of students, citing cramped classrooms and limited storage. Committee members agreed the full board should review the proposals this fall before a revised cost estimate is added to the town’s capital plan.

Veterans Park Auditorium Work

Officials also reviewed ongoing upgrades at Veterans Park Elementary School’s auditorium. Work includes new lighting, curtains, and painting. The district is partnering with the Ridgefield Historical Society to preserve original mid-century design elements, particularly seating, while also ensuring accessibility and compliance with safety codes.

Alternative High School Construction

Construction of the new alternative high school and Regional Transition Program building is underway. Foundation walls are being poured, with structural steel expected on site after Labor Day. Officials said the project remains within budget but will not be ready for the start of the school year as originally hoped. The district is providing interim plans and frequent updates to families until the new facility opens. The district broke ground for the project in May, and the 8,000-square-foot building is going up behind on Prospect Ridge, near the dog park and baseball field.

Roof Replacement Projects

Facilities staff reported that full roof replacements at Ridgebury and Scotland Elementary Schools were completed over the summer, along with work at Ridgefield High School’s gym. The district spent about $6.8 million on roofing projects, with additional work at Veterans Park and the high school cafeteria wing planned for next year.

Master Planning Updates

Consultants from MP Planning are conducting a capacity and utilization study of district schools, measuring classroom space and enrollment needs. Findings are expected this fall and will inform the district’s long-term facilities master plan.

The meeting closed with discussion on next steps, including possible state reimbursement for projects and whether community partnerships could play a role in funding.