The Ridgefield School District is continuing to see unprecedented growth with more families moving into what is still the fastest growing city in Washington. In 2012 and 2017 (after many years of bond measure success famine) bonds were passed that provided much-needed enhancements to existing schools and the building of a new grade school.
Even with these improvements, the Ridgefield School District will once again need to expand to meet an expected enrollment of an additional 1,422 new students by 2022 to avoid overcrowding and make necessary improvements to existing older schools.
The new bond measure up for vote in February 2019 will finance a new K-4 elementary school on the northeast side of the freeway; fully renovate and modernize vocational training spaces at the high school (this building has not been renovated since constructed nearly 50 years ago); replace at least 20 temporary less secure and inefficient portable classrooms with permanent classrooms; add covered play areas at all elementary schools; install new HVAC systems at the older elementary schools and enhance safety and security at all facilities in the district.
The net cost of this bond to taxpayers will be an increase of just 9 cents per thousand of assessed home value. This bond is an incredible value for the money at a time when everyone is watching their pennies and how taxes are spent. I have two children currently enrolled (who follow two older siblings) that benefit from first-rate and dedicated teachers and support staff. Please join me in voting yes for the benefit of all students.
