The Ridgefield School District Board of Directors unanimously approved a $2.5 million fund transfer Tuesday to fast-track roof replacements at Union Ridge Elementary and Ridgefield High School after reports showed extensive damage that couldn’t wait until 2026 when new levy funds begin collection.
The board adopted a resolution during its May 27 meeting, authorizing an interfund transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund to cover the urgent work.
This summer, the district will begin a 30-year roof replacement project at Union Ridge Elementary, covering all sections of the roof that received failing scores during an assessment completed earlier this spring. The project is expected to cost approximately $2.3 million.
At Ridgefield High School, the district will begin Phase 1 of a multi-year roof replacement. Two of five buildings on campus will receive new roofing during summer 2025, at a cost of $1.2 million. The remaining three buildings are slated for replacement in summer 2026.
Combined, this summer’s emergency work totals $3.5 million, an amount district leaders say is necessary due to the severity of the damage. The board’s decision follows a district-wide facilities assessment earlier this year. Findings showed that roof sections at both schools had failed or were near failure, with visual evidence of overgrowth, holes and structural issues.
“These buildings are expensive and we need to have money set aside when these rainy day things happen,” Paula McCoy, Executive Director of Business Services, said. “We were fortunate to have a consultant come out to assist us in evaluating some of our building facilities... and let’s just say there was not a lot of green on the report.”
McCoy explained the district will retain a portion of its rainy day fund for future maintenance needs, including the rest of Ridgefield High School and work at South Ridge Elementary.
A February 11 levy approved by voters will fund long-term infrastructure projects across the district, including HVAC and roofing upgrades, but revenue collection won’t begin until 2026. Superintendent Rodriquez has noted that Sunset Ridge Elementary is among the schools most in need of HVAC and roofing repairs, which will begin after levy funds become available. The levy is expected to generate $6.7 million in 2026, $7.1 million in 2027 and $7.4 million in 2028, at a rate of $0.84 per $1,000 of assessed property value. It will also support the construction of a new elementary school and the continued operation of the district’s Chromebook program.
Board member Amber Baker asked whether the fund transfer would still leave the district above its required fund balance.
“Yes,” Rodriquez responded. “We do anticipate having a deficit overall for the 2024–25 school year (while) still being able to start next year above our fund balance amount.”
The resolution allows the district to redirect state apportionment funding to address the two urgent roofing projects.
