Ridgefield Public Schools Addresses Concerns About 66 Grove Street
The upcoming Town vote (this Wednesday evening - read more https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/government/events/137626) is a critical decision about the stewardship of Ridgefield Public Schools (RPS) and Town resources. The 66 Grove Street lease addresses two essential programs: the Alternative High School (AHS) and the Ridgefield Transition Program (RTP).
Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva emphasized the urgency of this issue, stating, “There is no greater priority than this. There is no existing space for these programs in current RPS buildings, nor do they belong there.” After years of searching for suitable locations, Town and district leadership determined that 66 Grove Street is the best solution—programmatically, practically, and financially.
What's at Stake?
The financial commitment includes both the lease and renovations needed to transform the 66 Grove site from a private gym into a public school facility. The renovation costs are projected to be under $2 million, while the monthly rent is $14,000.
Failure to secure this new space could lead to costly out-of-district placements for students with complex needs, potentially exceeding $150,000 per student, plus transportation and legal fees. Moreover, RPS believes students are best served within their own community.
Concerns from the Community
Some neighbors have raised concerns about the nearby gun club, which leases town property within the 66 Grove Street school zone. However, district legal counsel confirmed that the gun club’s operations do not violate the Gun-Free School Zones Act, as the range is only used outside of school hours.
Other concerns include traffic, parking, and the proximity of future police and fire stations. RPS maintains that traffic for RTP and AHS will be minimal, parking is adequate, and the new emergency service locations would have no significant impact.
Student and Family Support
Families have voiced strong support for relocating the AHS and RTP. At a recent public meeting, students shared personal experiences about the challenges they’ve faced in inadequate facilities. Brooklyn Showah, a former RTP student, shared, “It was embarrassing to go back to a temporary classroom at RHS when our building was shut down.”
The Programs
AHS provides Ridgefield High School students with a smaller, more supportive learning environment. While some students return to the main RHS campus, others complete their education at AHS, where they remain involved in clubs, sports, and activities. The current facility, however, lacks separate classrooms, private counseling spaces, and ADA compliance.
RTP serves Ridgefield residents aged 18-22 who have completed high school credit requirements and qualify for special education services. Currently housed in a portable classroom at Veterans Park Elementary, the program's space is insufficient to support its growing population of students as they develop employment and life skills.
Looking Forward
Ridgefield Public Schools and Town leadership believe that leasing and renovating 66 Grove Street is a proactive solution to long-standing problems with the current facilities. This investment not only benefits students but is also a financially sound decision that will ultimately save costs associated with out-of-district placements.