RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield’s Board of Education is weighing a series of major construction and renovation projects, including improvements to Ridgefield High School’s auditorium, completion of multiple roof replacements, and the construction of a new alternative high school. The updates were discussed at the board’s Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Aug. 25, as part of ongoing efforts to align facilities with long-term district needs.
Representatives from BBS Architects outlined three potential scenarios for renovating the Ridgefield High School auditorium. The proposals range in scale and cost — from a $9.5 million option focusing on interior upgrades to a $45 million plan that would involve building an entirely new auditorium.
The middle option, priced at about $26 million, would expand the lobby, add bathrooms, create new practice rooms, and improve storage. Music director Michael McNamara emphasized that this option best meets student needs. “Classrooms are cramped and storage is limited, so option two addresses the most critical program gaps,” McNamara said.
Committee members expressed support for presenting all options to the full board this fall, when a revised cost estimate will also be considered for inclusion in the town’s capital improvement plan.
In addition to the high school, officials discussed progress at Veterans Park Elementary School, where the auditorium is receiving new curtains, lighting, and paint. The Ridgefield Historical Society is collaborating with the district to preserve original mid-century design features, such as seating, while ensuring upgrades meet accessibility and safety standards.
Construction is also advancing on the district’s new alternative high school and Regional Transition Program facility. The 8,000-square-foot building, located on Prospect Ridge near the dog park and baseball field, broke ground in May. Foundation walls are complete, and structural steel will arrive shortly after Labor Day.
Although the facility will not be ready for the start of the new school year, officials confirmed the project remains on budget. Temporary accommodations are in place to serve students until the new building opens.
Facilities staff reported significant progress on long-planned roof replacements. Over the summer, Ridgebury and Scotland Elementary Schools both received new roofs, along with Ridgefield High School’s gymnasium. The work cost approximately $6.8 million, and additional replacements are scheduled for next year at Veterans Park Elementary and the Ridgefield High cafeteria wing.
Consultants from MP Planning are in the process of conducting a district-wide capacity and utilization study, which will help determine how classroom space aligns with projected enrollment. Findings are expected later this fall and will be used to guide Ridgefield’s long-term master facilities plan.
The board also discussed possible funding mechanisms, including opportunities for state reimbursement and potential partnerships with local organizations or businesses to share costs. Committee members emphasized that transparency and community involvement will be key in shaping decisions.
“These projects are not just about fixing buildings,” one member noted, “they are about making sure our schools support students today and for decades to come.”
Ridgefield’s Board of Education is weighing a series of major construction and renovation projects, including improvements to Ridgefield High School’s auditorium, completion of multiple roof replacements, and the construction of a new alternative high school. The updates were discussed at the board’s Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Aug. 25, as part of ongoing efforts to align facilities with long-term district needs.
Representatives from BBS Architects outlined three potential scenarios for renovating the Ridgefield High School auditorium. The proposals range in scale and cost — from a $9.5 million option focusing on interior upgrades to a $45 million plan that would involve building an entirely new auditorium.
The middle option, priced at about $26 million, would expand the lobby, add bathrooms, create new practice rooms, and improve storage. Music director Michael McNamara emphasized that this option best meets student needs. “Classrooms are cramped and storage is limited, so option two addresses the most critical program gaps,” McNamara said.
Committee members expressed support for presenting all options to the full board this fall, when a revised cost estimate will also be considered for inclusion in the town’s capital improvement plan.
In addition to the high school, officials discussed progress at Veterans Park Elementary School, where the auditorium is receiving new curtains, lighting, and paint. The Ridgefield Historical Society is collaborating with the district to preserve original mid-century design features, such as seating, while ensuring upgrades meet accessibility and safety standards.
Construction is also advancing on the district’s new alternative high school and Regional Transition Program facility. The 8,000-square-foot building, located on Prospect Ridge near the dog park and baseball field, broke ground in May. Foundation walls are complete, and structural steel will arrive shortly after Labor Day.
Although the facility will not be ready for the start of the new school year, officials confirmed the project remains on budget. Temporary accommodations are in place to serve students until the new building opens.
Facilities staff reported significant progress on long-planned roof replacements. Over the summer, Ridgebury and Scotland Elementary Schools both received new roofs, along with Ridgefield High School’s gymnasium. The work cost approximately $6.8 million, and additional replacements are scheduled for next year at Veterans Park Elementary and the Ridgefield High cafeteria wing.
Consultants from MP Planning are in the process of conducting a district-wide capacity and utilization study, which will help determine how classroom space aligns with projected enrollment. Findings are expected later this fall and will be used to guide Ridgefield’s long-term master facilities plan.
The board also discussed possible funding mechanisms, including opportunities for state reimbursement and potential partnerships with local organizations or businesses to share costs. Committee members emphasized that transparency and community involvement will be key in shaping decisions.
“These projects are not just about fixing buildings,” one member noted, “they are about making sure our schools support students today and for decades to come.”
Originally reported by Rich Kirby in Patch.
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