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Ridgefield School Board approves policy updates, a $508,160 playground award and a three-year labor contract
Summary
The Ridgefield School Board adopted multiple WASDA-aligned policy revisions, awarded the Southridge Inclusive Playground contract for $508,160.38, approved procurement agreements and ratified a three-year classified staff contract effective Sept. 1, 2026.
The Ridgefield School Board on May 13 approved several administrative policy updates, awarded an inclusive-playground project, accepted procurement agreements and ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement for classified staff.
Superintendent Dr. Rodriguez briefed the board on statewide K–12 funding challenges and district-specific shortfalls in transportation, special education and operating costs. She said the OSPI-directed K–12 funding equity work group is due to report in 2028 but that OSPI may fast-track recommendations before the next legislative session. Locally, the district’s operating-cost gap was described as roughly $850,000 in the most recent cycle and special-education shortfalls were described as increasing year to year and projected near $2 million for the current fiscal year.
On board business, members voted to approve revised policies aligning with WASDA model policy, including:
- Policy 3143 (notification and dissemination regarding student offenses and threats). - Policy 3225 (school-based threat assessment). - Policy 5642 (administrative internships). - Policy 6511 (staff safety, including CPR/AED/first-aid training requirements).
The board approved the selection of Suddath Moving and Storage LLC following a competitive RFP process for district moving services and authorized an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreement with Battle Ground School District for processed USDA Foods (a piggyback contract). The board also awarded the Southridge Elementary Inclusive Playground Project through KCDA/Northwest Playground with construction oversight coordinated by RNC Construction Management in the amount of $508,160.38; the project will replace bark surfacing with turf to improve accessibility and includes engineered drainage work.
The board unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement between the Ridgefield School District and the Ridgefield Classified Association that will take effect Sept. 1, 2026, and run through Aug. 31, 2029. The superintendent said RCA members ratified the agreement in a membership vote, with 82% voting yes.
Board members also received a first reading of a proposed new policy (1250) to seat two student representatives annually on the governing board; the students presented a package that included procedures and an application form and board members asked questions about term length, references, attendance and communication back to the student body. The board scheduled a second reading at its next meeting.
The meeting concluded after a 45-minute executive session to review employee performance under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g); the board reported no action and adjourned.
