On Thursday, January 23, Ridgefield City Council held a Public Hearing for Resolution No. 658, supporting Ridgefield School District’s Propositions 12 and 13 levy measures. After listening to comments, all six members of Council unanimously passed the resolution.
Resolution No. 658 reads: "The Ridgefield City Council does support the Ridgefield School District Propositions 12 and 13 and encourages our residents to vote “yes” on February 11, 2025, in favor of passing the Ridgefield School District propositions.” Read the full resolution.
Proposition 12 is a replacement of the district’s current Educational Programs and Operations levy, which was approved by the voters in August 2022 and expires at the end of 2025. This essential levy funds critical programs and services that directly benefit students’ education. These include athletics, student clubs such as Drama and DECA, community education camps, Cispus Outdoor School, the Family Resource Center, early learning, school supplies, maintenance and repair of school facilities, special education services, and performing arts.
Proposition 13 is a new Capital Facilities and Technology levy designed to address Ridgefield’s growing needs. The Proposition 13 funding, combined with the use of existing development impact fees and state matching funds, would construct a new elementary school and complete overdue deferred maintenance projects at South Ridge and Union Ridge elementary schools. The funding would also restore the district’s $500,000 annual technology budget that was cut due to budget constraints enabling the district to improve computer, telecommunications and networking systems, and make cybersecurity, licensing, training and technology expenditures.
For information about the proposed levies, please visit the Ridgefield School District website.
During the meeting, several Council Members spoke to their support of the School District's Propositions:
“Passage of this levy to build this new building is absolutely essential. Please all of you talk to anyone you know and encourage them to vote yes on this levy.”
Council Member Clyde Burkle
“I want to pay compliment to the district leadership for listening to the community to say this is more of a funding structure we are interested in and finding a creative solution to bring back to the voters that was really reflective of that feedback. So, kudos to you guys.” Council Member Rian Davis
“We’re doing this because we believe in this community and we believe in the need here, so we’re looking to you now voters to get this done” – Mayor Matt Cole
Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez spoke at the meeting to share information about the propositions and thank City Council and the community for their support.
Listen to the January 23, 2025 City Council Meeting
View the January 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Agenda
Learn about Propositions 12 and 13