Ridgefield Schools: New Leaders, Student Stars, and Big Talks

New Leadership Elected Unanimously

• Tina Malhotra: Board Chair
• Jonathan Paradiso: Vice Chair
• Christine More: Secretary

Student Achievements Highlighted

• Ridgefield High School's Educators Rising Club showcased their work.
• Students discussed hands-on experiences, competitions, and mentorship plans.
• Notable Wins: State and national contest victories.

Key Discussions

School Policies & Enrollment

• Class Size Policy: Approved with flexibility for the superintendent.
• Current Enrollment: 4,350 students.
• Staffing Updates: New hires and departures.

Financial Considerations

• Special Education Costs: Rising expenses in transportation and personalized learning.
• Budget Planning: Board urged to consider these costs.

Parent Concerns

• Chromebook Usage: Worries about excessive screen time in early grades.
• Art Education: Requests for more art time in elementary schools.
• Communication: Faster posting of meeting minutes and clearer goals (e.g., cursive writing, world languages).

Future Meeting Changes

• Agenda Preparation: Board members to suggest topics in advance.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for December, with a retreat beforehand.