In a message to the Ridgefield Public School (RPS) community, Superintendent Susie Da Silva provided an update on plans for the Alternative High School (AHS) and Ridgefield Transition Program (RTP) following recent town and district decisions. A critical vote is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, where community members will weigh in on a resolution to reallocate $275,000 from a 2023 AHS renovation fund to support the design and planning of a new AHS/RTP building at 34 Halpin Lane.
Da Silva reflected on the multi-year effort to secure adequate facilities for these vital programs, expressing gratitude to the families, community members, and faculty who voiced their support during the lead-up to the October 9 vote. That earlier vote had resulted in widespread support for these programs, reaffirming the community’s commitment to the students they serve.
Despite that progress, town leaders decided to delay signing the 66 Grove Street lease when a potentially better option emerged. The Venus Building, a town-owned property currently housing the RPS Central Office, was considered as a possible home for AHS and RTP. When the Venus Building tenants chose not to relocate, the town and RPS concluded that ownership of the AHS and RTP facilities might offer greater predictability and long-term benefits for students and taxpayers. The upcoming vote on Wednesday aims to confirm whether the Halpin Lane site is a viable option by enabling further assessments by planners, architects, and engineers.
Da Silva emphasized that the students remain RPS's highest priority and acknowledged the challenges and uncertainties that a new construction timeline might introduce. She reassured families potentially affected in the 2025 school year that district leadership is already working on temporary solutions to ensure continued support and services if there are any construction delays.
The Alternative High School (AHS) serves Ridgefield High School students who thrive in a smaller, more personalized setting, allowing them to engage with RHS clubs and activities and graduate with an RHS diploma. The current facility lacks sufficient classroom space, private counseling areas, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Ridgefield Transition Program (RTP) provides critical support for Ridgefield residents aged 18-22 who qualify for special education services under federal and state law. It offers transition services aimed at achieving post-school goals such as meaningful employment and independent living. The current portable classroom on the Veterans Park Elementary campus is no longer adequate for the growing program. A dedicated facility would enable students to develop essential life skills in a more supportive and functional space.
The letter concluded with appreciation for the community’s ongoing support and a call to action to attend Wednesday’s vote to help secure an appropriate, permanent home for these critical programs.