Ridgefield Board Of Education Reviews Phone Policy Concerns, Approves Paraeducator Contract

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Cellphone use in schools took center stage at the Ridgefield Board of Education’s Sept. 8 meeting, where dozens of parents, educators and residents urged the district to consider stricter limits on student devices. The discussion came amid a full agenda that also included contract approvals, financial updates and reports on summer programming.

Community Urges Tighter Phone Restrictions

Speakers during public comment said excessive smartphone use is harming students’ mental health, academic focus and social connections. Several pointed to other school districts, including Wilton and others outside Connecticut, that have adopted “bell-to-bell” restrictions banning phones during the entire school day.

Parents described benefits seen elsewhere: less anxiety, fewer peer conflicts and more face-to-face conversations at lunch. “We’re not banning phones,” one speaker said. “We’re trying to give kids their attention spans back.”

Phones are banned inside Ridgefield's elementary and middle schools, but are not allowed only during instructional time in the high school.

Supporters of a full ban argued that Ridgefield High School students would adapt quickly to new rules, with one parent noting that students in other districts reported feeling relief once restrictions were in place.

Not all testimony favored tighter rules. Resident Michelle Christ made a case for students with disabilities, whom she said depend on cellphones for assistive technology and accommodations. She also argued that high schoolers should learn to regulate phone use themselves, rather than being restricted outright.

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Board members acknowledged the strong turnout and emphasized that community voices will shape future decisions. Superintendent Susie Da Silva said she and her team will present data, teacher feedback and cost considerations at the Sept. 29 meeting.

Safety And Security Concerns Raised

Parents also pressed the district for greater transparency around safety investments and emergency protocols. Several noted that while Ridgefield has conducted professional security assessments, the results have not been shared as openly as in some neighboring districts.

One speaker recalled a third-grader asking what to do if caught in the bathroom during a lockdown, highlighting gaps in communication between schools and families. Parents requested clearer information on protocols, more public forums and the possibility of additional security measures.

Board members said updates will be presented this fall and pointed to a new district security website as a resource. Officials emphasized that some details cannot be disclosed publicly for safety reasons but pledged to keep families better informed.

Contract And Calendar Approvals

The board unanimously approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with paraeducators, covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Members also adopted the 2026-27 academic calendar, which notes Juneteenth, paraeducator professional learning and new teacher orientation.

The board accepted a $3,150 gift from the Ridgebury Elementary PTA to fund a fifth-grade outdoor team-building program.

Financial Report Shows Surplus

Business officials reported the district closed the 2024-25 fiscal year with a $501,843 surplus. Connecticut law allows school boards to place up to 2 percent of unspent funds into a non-lapsing account, but Ridgefield has not historically done so. Administrators said the surplus is expected to remain under town control this year.

Board members discussed potential future use of the new statutory authority, noting it could provide a cushion for unpredictable special education or facilities costs. The board also approved a $200,000 transfer to cover expenses related to the district’s summer cybersecurity incident, drawing funds from unfilled teaching positions.

Summer Programs And Student Updates

Administrators highlighted successful summer programs, including the “Summer Bridge” enrichment series, Jump Start orientation for middle school students and expanded course recovery opportunities at the high school. Nearly 400 students took part in extended school year services for special education.

Student body president Camille Wyatt told the board that energy is high at Ridgefield High School, with freshman orientation, athletic seasons and student government activities already underway.

Looking Ahead

The district’s 2025-26 theme, “Better Together,” emphasizes collaboration across schools, families and the broader community. Upcoming presentations will include facilities planning, high school auditorium upgrades and enrollment projections.

The Sept. 29 meeting is expected to feature a detailed report on current phone policies and possible next steps, setting the stage for continued debate on one of the most closely watched issues in Ridgefield schools.