Letter to the editor: Ridgefield voters should support district levies

Posted

Editor

On Feb. 11, you have a crucial opportunity to invest in the future of our schools and our community by voting yes on propositions 12 and 13. These measures address the growing needs of our district while preserving the programs and services that make Ridgefield schools places of opportunity for our students.

Proposition 12 renews the educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy, ensuring continued funding for essential programs that state funding does not fully cover. This modest $.25 [per $1,000 assessed value] increase safeguards vital services like special education, athletics, classroom support staff, early learning programs and family resources.

These programs are at the heart of what makes our schools a place of unlimited possibilities, providing students with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Without Proposition 12, these critical services risk being reduced or eliminated, leaving a gap in the quality of education our students receive.

As costs rise, this levy renewal bridges the gap between state funding and the real costs of running our schools. Voting yes on Proposition 12 means securing the support and opportunities every student deserves.

Proposition 13 was built on months of community feedback to address Ridgefield’s most pressing challenges: overcrowding in our elementary schools and aging facilities. Our elementary schools are stretched beyond capacity, and our current facilities have outlived their recommended lifespan.

Since the last school bond failure in the spring, community members have asked for a scaled-back, no-frills approach to funding new facilities, and the district has listened. Proposition 13 reflects these priorities with a plan to build a new elementary school to ease overcrowding and replace roofs at existing elementary buildings. Unnecessary design elements such as turf fields and track resurfacing, were removed to prioritize what matters most: creating safe and functional buildings for our students.

This thoughtful proposal also leverages the feedback to use outside funding sources, resulting in a smart, strategic funding approach. By using all of the district's $21 million in developer-paid impact fees and unlocking $16.5 million in state funds, Proposition 13 minimizes the burden on local taxpayers. Additionally, it includes a shorter-term tax commitment of just three years — unlike the decades-long terms typical of bonds — making it a fiscally responsible choice for Ridgefield residents.

Propositions 12 and 13 are about more than just funding — they represent an investment in the future of Ridgefield’s students and our community. These measures ensure Ridgefield remains a place where families want to live, work and grow.

Proposition 12 safeguards the programs and services that support every student, while Proposition 13 addresses urgent facility needs with a community-driven, cost-conscious approach.



Together, these measures demonstrate a commitment to excellence, fiscal responsibility and community-driven solutions. A yes vote ensures that our schools can meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Kelliana Cole

Ridgefield

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