Two group members spoke on the assembly in assist of the levies.
“As an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how investments in our schools strengthen the heart of our community,” mentioned Kerri Upton, vice chairman of Residents for Ridgefield Faculties and particular training lead at Union Ridge Elementary Faculty.
If each levies cross, the proprietor of a $500,000 home would pay an estimated $1,890 in annual property taxes in 2026. The fee consists of the prevailing 2012 and 2017 current bonds.
This yr, the property tax fee for Ridgefield faculties was $2.53, which incorporates the present operations levy and current bonds, and homeowners of a $500,000 house paid $1,265.
In August 2022, voters accredited the present 2023-2025 operations levy of $30.7 million, with an anticipated fee of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property worth.
The capital levy proposed by the Ridgefield Faculty District would fund deferred upkeep at South Ridge and Union Ridge elementary faculties, that are each greater than 60 years previous. (Ridgefield Faculty District)
Photograph
An surprising enhance in Ridgefield’s property values meant taxpayers really paid $1.43 in 2023 and $1.47 in 2024 per $1,000 of assessed property worth.
The operations levy “bridges the gap between state funding and the actual costs of funding our schools,” mentioned Kelliana Cole, a Ridgefield dad or mum and member of Residents for Ridgefield Faculties. “It funds teachers, classroom support, supplies, transportation and enrichment programs — all essential services that directly impact every student’s education and well-being.”
Prior to now, operations levy cash has gone towards sports activities and actions, particular training, scholar helps, workers skilled improvement, amenities and working prices.
About $15 million from the capital levy, $21 million in influence charges on new improvement and $16.5 million in state funding would go towards constructing the elementary faculty, if the capital levy is accredited.
“The capital and technology levy addresses the district’s most urgent needs, including the plans for a third elementary school to alleviate overcrowding,” Upton mentioned. “This was developed through extensive community input.”
The district additionally plans to allocate funds from the capital levy to scholar and workers expertise replenishment cycles, in accordance with a November faculty board assembly presentation.
Bonds vs. levies
Prior to now 35 years, Ridgefield handed solely 4 out of 17 bonds, in accordance with district knowledge. Voters in April rejected the latest bond proposals, which might have collected between $70 million and $190 million.
Bonds are repaid with property taxes over as many as 40 years and have to be accredited by a 60 % vote.
With suggestions from group members concerning the April bond, the varsity board landed on the 2 proposed levies. The board and a crowd of about 30 clapped after every levy placement was accredited.
“This is exactly what the community asked for: to use community input to inform your next ask and be smart about funding,” Cole mentioned. “It leverages community voices and maximizes outside resources to address the need for a new elementary school.”