Politics & Government
Ridgefield Residents at Odds Over School Budget
In the shadow of declining enrollment, Ridgefield residents had much to say about the proposed new school budget at a public hearing.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield's Board of Finance held a public hearing Monday night, and although the capital budget and other town expenditure plans all had their moment in the spotlight, it was the proposed school budget that was the star of the show. The News-Times reports that around a dozen residents in the crowd at East Ridge Middle School made their opinions clear regarding the the schools’ $96.4 million request -- and the town's $38.3 million proposal.
Opponents of any significant raise to the school budget point to declining enrollment. Supporters of the proposed plan pointed to the rising costs of healthcare, personnel and special education needs. The Board of Finance will continue to meet on the budgets this week before sending it to the voters for a referendum in May.
As previously reported, the Board of Selectman made a non-binding recommendation to the Board of Finance earlier this month that the Board of Education budget be reduced from a 4.23 percent increase to an increase not to exceed 2.5 percent.
Read the whole story at The News-Times.
