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Residents press Ridgefield board on nonresident student rules and borough collaboration with schools
Summary
During public comment residents urged greater borough–school collaboration on events and sought clarification on the district's nonresident student policy; the superintendent explained county certification and tuition-rate requirements and said policy revisions will receive a second reading.
During the public-comment portion of the Ridgefield Board of Education meeting on Jan. 16, Borough Councilwoman Joanna Congalton-Hali offered the borough’s assistance with school events, said field trips to Borough Hall are being coordinated and noted that an InterLocal Agreement for Willis Field was on the board’s agenda for approval.
Councilwoman Congalton-Hali told the board the borough would like to help with upcoming events, including book drives and an International Festival. Board Member Andrew Grippa said the board’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee will assist district staff and borough partners with the International Festival.
Resident Tawila Hoffman asked why the district had shortened references from "Board of Education" to "The Board" in some materials and requested clarification about the out-of-district policy for students whose parents are certified public school employees. Superintendent Dr. Anemone responded that such wording changes were recommendations from either the state or the district’s policy vendor and that adoption is discretionary; he said the nonresident-enrollment contracts must be certified by the county superintendent, that the county sets an annual certified tuition rate, and that acceptance depends on classroom space. He said the district currently has about four students enrolled under that policy and that the policy revisions will receive a second reading by the board.
During a follow-up clarification, Dr. DePass explained the high school community-service requirement: 50 hours are required to earn the five academic credits and partial credits are not awarded.
Board members thanked the Borough for its offer and indicated the board and district staff will continue coordinating with the Borough and standing committees on upcoming events.
