Schools
Ridgefield BOE Approves Evaluation Plan Revisions, Accepts PTA Gift And Reviews DRIP Funding
Ridgefield BOE approved educator evaluation updates, accepted a PTA donation and reviewed DRIP grant plans.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Education on June 8 approved revisions to the district’s educator evaluation plan and accepted a $5,705 donation from the Branchville PTA, while also discussing how the district may use new state funding for school repairs and improvements.
The board voted to approve revisions to the Ridgefield Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan, which district officials said updates procedures for providing support to educators and reflects ongoing work by the Professional Development and Evaluation Committee. The motion passed with one abstention after discussion of recent state-level changes affecting educator employment matters.
The board also unanimously accepted a $5,705 gift from the Branchville PTA to support end-of-year activities for fifth-grade students, including a trip to the Shelton Sports Complex, T-shirts, celebration materials, refreshments and promotion-day photography.
Another major discussion centered on the state’s new District Repair and Improvement Project, or DRIP, program, which awarded Ridgefield Public Schools $165,204.86 for fiscal year 2026. District officials said the grant can be used for minor capital improvements to school buildings, grounds and infrastructure.
Related: Ridgefield Schools Receive $165K State Grant For Summer Repairs As Energy Costs Squeeze Budget
Budget, Finance and Operations Committee Chair Kathryn Graf said questions raised after a June 4 committee meeting led to clarification of state reporting requirements and project timelines. Graf said the clarification could provide additional flexibility for how and when the district spends the funds.
During the discussion, board member Christine More asked district administrators to review proposed projects to ensure grant-funded work does not overlap with items already included in the operating budget. Superintendent Susie Da Silva said staff would review project lists and report back if any duplication is identified.
The board also continued its review of proposed revisions to Policy 3100, which addresses budget-related procedures and implementation of a recently enacted state law allowing boards of education to retain certain year-end surplus funds in a non-lapsing account. Policy Committee Chair Jon Paradiso summarized legal guidance received from the board’s attorney and said the committee will continue refining draft language before bringing it back for further consideration. Board members generally favored keeping the policy narrowly focused on statutory requirements while handling operational timelines through board practices rather than policy language.
See Also: Ridgefield ECDC Hires Part-Time Consultant, Advances Cultural District Initiatives
Earlier in the meeting, the board recognized 13 retiring employees from across the district, including teachers, paraeducators, administrators, support staff and Director of Facilities Joe Morits. Collectively, the retirees represent hundreds of years of service to Ridgefield Public Schools.
The meeting opened with a performance by members of Ridgefield High School’s Concert Choir and included reports from board leadership, district administrators, the Ridgefield Education Association and PTA Council. Superintendent Da Silva also announced that Ridgefield High School student Aidan Frame had been appointed to serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education next year.
During public comment, Ridgefield resident and Ridgefield High School alumnus Indra Sen urged board members to select “the best person” to fill a vacant seat on the board during interviews scheduled for June 9. Resident Dawn-Marie Callahan praised the board’s outreach committee efforts and thanked retiring educators for their service.
The board’s next public meeting was scheduled for June 9 to interview candidates seeking appointment to the vacant board seat.
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