Ridgefield residents are the main investors in, and beneficiaries of, the Ridgefield Public Schools. We count on the Board of Education (BOE), Board of Finance (BOF) and Board of Selectmen (BOS) to responsibly sustain our schools as the key driver of town strength.
Our highly-rated schools propel the in-migration of young families in search of excellent and affordable education, boosting Ridgefield home values and, thereby, safeguarding the personal financial security of residents and the viability of town finances. Most importantly, of course, our vibrant school system provides the essential foundation to enable our students to succeed in all facets of their lives.
This virtuous cycle did not occur by luck, but rather has been the result of years of responsible, forward-looking stewardship by our BOS, BOE and BOF. Thus, it is critically important that we elect individuals to those Boards who are committed and qualified to continue such wise stewardship.
Nothing can be taken for granted in this regard. The recent rush by Selectman Andy Bodner and other local officials to close an elementary school irrespective of emerging demographic trends, to cut the school budget without regard to long-term impact, and to force teachers to “make do” with increasingly limited options for innovation, betray a dangerous shortsightedness. An emerging and harmful “penny wise, pound foolish” mindset has caused “pay to play” to become the new norm for student activities, and imposed excessively early High School start times, which have documented adverse effects on student health, achievement and well-being. Additionally, current BOE member Chris Murray’s disparaging characterization of Special Education as a “Lamborghini” expenditure, further illustrates that school stewardship is not prioritized by all town officials.
Thankfully, the Democratic majorities on the BOS and BOF have opposed such regressive efforts, taking a pro-school and pro-resident approach and a long-term supportive view of education. These prudent efforts have maintained low taxes (no increase this year) and a great school system. To avoid backsliding, it is therefore essential that Ridgefield re-elect Democratic majorities to both the BOF (Dave Ulmer, Jessica Mancini and Paul Sutherland) and the BOS (Rudy Marconi, Barbara Manners and Steve Zemo).
But to continue progressing, rather than merely avoid regressing, we must improve the BOE. The Democratic BOE slate of Karen Sulzinsky, Fran Walton and Doug Silver have professional experience in educational best practices, finance and business. They have long years of service to our schools. They are business owners who understand fiscal responsibility. They are proud parents of Ridgefield Public School students. They are listeners, thinkers, and advocates. Most of all, they are interested in your concerns and your children. Sulzinsky, Walton and Silver will work to restore classroom instruction as a priority, to integrate technology into all aspects of learning, and to ensure that our teachers are equipped and supported to produce the best outcomes possible for our children.
Please cast your ballot for Karen Sulzinsky, Fran Walton and Doug Silver, candidates for the Board of Education, on November 3.
The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee supplies this column.