Ridgefield School Board Tweaks Public Comment, Approves Gifts, New Courses And Budget Transfers

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Education on Dec. 8 approved several new gifts, course offerings and budget transfers while also adopting new procedures intended to shorten meetings and streamline board business, according to discussions during the meeting.

Chairperson Tina Malhotra, attending remotely, announced that the board will now limit its initial public comment period to 30 minutes. A second public comment period at the end of each meeting will remain unrestricted.

"This ensures that the board addresses critical matters earlier in the meeting while we are fresh and fully focused allowing every board member to leave after key business is conducted if needed," Malhotra said.

One resident, Dawn Marie Callahan of Ridgewood Road, objected to the new limit, calling it "a slap in the face" of the community and arguing the board should better manage its agenda rather than restrict public participation.

Malhotra outlined additional efforts to improve transparency and planning, including earlier distribution of draft agendas, expanded opportunities for board members to contribute items and more detailed time estimates for each agenda topic.

Superintendent Susie Da Silva reported that she and administrators had concluded recent school tours with town officials, highlighting ongoing celebrations and long-term capital needs. She also congratulated the Ridgefield High School football team as it traveled to its Class L semifinal (they lost) and noted staff participation in a national curriculum conference.

Course and Gift Approvals

The board unanimously approved a new high school “Rock Band/Modern Band” course that will debut in the 2026–27 school year.

Several PTA-funded gifts to district schools were accepted with appreciation:

• Veterans Park Elementary School: $3,500 from the Veterans Park PTA to host an author visit by “I Survived” series writer Lauren Tarshis.
• Ridgebury Elementary School:
  • $4,500 from the Ridgebury PTA for an author visit by Newbery honoree Rajani LaRocca.
  • $2,390 from the Ridgebury PTA to host "Bash the Trash," a music and environmental education program.

The board also accepted a $54,368.34 donation from the Ridgefield Athletics Advisory Council to support Ridgefield High School athletics following the dissolution of the long-standing booster organization. Da Silva said the funds would offset some budgeted costs, including $7,500 for temporary softball fencing.

Budget Transfers and Capital Items

Board members approved several budget transfers, including funds for a new eSports club, instructional materials and school office supplies. Some members requested additional information on in-school suspension and Saturday detention cost allocations, which the administration said it would supply in writing.

The district also presented an informational update on the Prospect Ridge Road construction project, noting ongoing collaboration with town partners and regular communications with affected families.

Committee Assignments and Upcoming Work

Malhotra announced committee chairs and membership for the coming year, including policy, curriculum, strategic planning, bylaws, outreach and budget operations. She emphasized the board’s goal to be more proactive and collaborative in shaping meeting agendas.

The board will hold its annual retreat in early January to continue discussions on meeting structure, committee work and policy revisions.

The meeting adjourned after brief correspondence updates and a unanimous vote to approve minutes from Nov. 24.