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Students raise concerns about RMHS climate; board considers virtual sign-in for public attendance
Summary
Two RMHS students voiced concerns about school climate during public comment; a resident asked whether the Environmental Club will continue. Board member Lori Hoffman proposed a virtual sign-in option to allow remote attendance, which the board said it will consider.
Two students and several residents used the public-comment period at the Sept. 19 Ridgefield School District board meeting to raise concerns about school climate and extracurricular programming.
Sophia Antelo, a student at Ridgefield Memorial High School, told the board she is concerned about the current climate at RMHS under the current principal; student Richard Thaler voiced support for Antelo. Resident Ralph Murillo asked whether the Environmental Club will be offered again following the retirement of the staff member who ran it and expressed support for the students who spoke.
Board member Lori Hoffman proposed creating a virtual sign-in so community members could listen to meetings remotely; Board member Andrew Grippa said remote attendance was something the board discussed after the COVID-19 pandemic and that it would be considered in the future. The board acknowledged the students' comments; no formal action was taken during the public-comment period.
The speakers asked for follow-up on club provision and on school climate concerns. Board members encouraged community engagement and noted that information about current board members running for re-election can be found on the district website or county resources per candidates' disclosures.
Next steps: The board said it would consider the virtual sign-in proposal and will follow up on questions about the Environmental Club and student concerns through the superintendent's office.
