AHS and RTP Site Update
December 13, 2024
Dear RPS Community
I’m writing to update you on the site for our Alternative High School (AHS) and Ridgefield Transition Program (RTP) in light of recent town and district decisions and another vote this Wednesday at 7:30 pm at Town Hall. The vote regards the resolution to re-appropriate $275,000 from a 2023 AHS renovation allocation to costs related to the design and planning of a new AHS/RTP Building at 34 Halpin Lane.
Many of you have been with us on the multi-year quest to find adequate spaces for these two programs. We are deeply grateful to families, community members, and faculty who made their voices heard this fall and undoubtedly showed their support for our students and the essential programs that serve them in the lead-up to the resounding October 9 vote. Truly uplifting.
While we were excited to move forward, we understood town leaders’ decision to delay signing the 66 Grove Street lease when a possible better solution arose after the vote went through. Due diligence and stewardship necessitated exploring housing the RPS programs in the town-owned Venus Building, where our Central Office currently resides. That would have been ideal!
When the Venus Building tenants ultimately decided not to move, the town, in partnership with RPS, came to believe that ownership of the AHS and RTP sites might be more predictable and favorable for RPS students and taxpayers. Which is what the vote on Wednesday is about. The vote allows the full exploration of the Halpin site to confirm with Planning and Zoning, architects, builders, and engineers the cost of the project and that it could best serve the RPS students and the Ridgefield Community.
Please trust that RPS's highest priority is our students; we believe they are best served in their community. In addition to being students, they are community members with legal rights. We recognize that the timeline for new building construction causes uncertainty, so RPS leadership is in contact with the families who could be affected in School Year 2025 to come up with a workable, temporary solution in the event of any construction delays.
We hope this letter clarifies the decisions made, district and town commitments, our gratitude, and how the RPS Community can continue to support finding an appropriate space for the AHS and RTP.
Please make your voice heard again on Wednesday, December 18, at 7:30 pm at Town Hall. Thank you for your partnership!
Warmly,
Susie Da Silva, Ed.D
More about these programs
Alternative High School (AHS): AHS serves Ridgefield High School (RHS) students who need a smaller setting. Some transition back to RHS, while others graduate from AHS. Students remain involved in RHS clubs and activities and receive RHS diplomas. The current facility lacks adequate classroom space, private counseling areas, and ADA compliance.
Ridgefield Transition Program (RTP): RTP supports Ridgefield residents aged 18-22 who have completed high school credits and qualify for special education services. Federal and state laws require RPS to provide transition services to help these students achieve post-school goals. The current portable classroom on the Veterans Park Elementary campus is insufficient for this growing population. A dedicated space would enable students to develop meaningful employment and life skills.