Ridgefield board approves 2026–27 budget, votes 6–1 to fund rising health costs

The Ridgefield Board of Education voted to adopt its 2026–2027 final budget on May 7, approving a package that includes a $1,425,875 health-benefits tax-levy adjustment and a total base budget of $48,881,085.

School Business Administrator Kelvin Hiciano presented the budget and the board discussed the district's projection that health-benefit costs will rise sharply next year. Hiciano told the board the district will request a 5.5% tax-levy adjustment (an increase of $1,425,875) specifically to cover health-care premium growth. “Based on the district’s experience rating and the state plan projections, we are projecting a renewal rate that materially increases our obligation,” Hiciano said.

The motion to adopt the final budget carried by a 6–1 roll-call vote. The resolution records the General Fund budget at $47,408,036 and a general-fund tax levy of $27,869,370. Board member Lori Hoffman was recorded as the lone Nay on the final budget motion.

Board member Patrick Jo explained his decision to support the budget, saying the alternative could cost the district local control. “If this budget fails, control shifts to the county and state and we lose local authority over the district’s finances,” Jo said in prepared remarks included in the meeting packet. Jo also urged clearer public communication about budget assumptions.

The board also approved related financial resolutions in the consent block, including a $500,000 withdrawal from the tuition reserve to be applied in 2026–2027. The Business Administrator was authorized to submit the final budget to the Executive County Superintendent for approval and to implement it once approved.

The board president adjourned the meeting at 10:44 p.m.; next procedural steps include county review of the submitted budget.