The proposed levies aim to provide critical funding for educational programs, operations, facilities, and technology for the district

At its regular meeting on Tuesday (Dec. 10), the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to place two levy measures on the Feb. 11, 2025, special election ballot. The proposed levies — a replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy and a Capital Facilities and Technology levy — aim to provide critical funding for educational programs, operations, facilities, and technology for the district.

“On behalf of Ridgefield School District, I want to thank our community for their continued engagement and support of our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez. “The feedback we’ve received has been invaluable in shaping these proposals. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration and trust of our community as we work together to support our students and staff.”

Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy

The first measure, Proposition 12, is a replacement of the district’s current EP&O levy, which was approved by voters in August 2022 and expires at the end of 2025. Local levy dollars bridge the gap between state funding and the actual costs of educating Ridgefield’s students, accounting for approximately 13.7% of the district’s total annual budget in 2023-24.

If approved, the three-year replacement levy is estimated to collect a total of $44 million from 2026 to 2028, with an estimated tax rate of $1.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Levy dollars provide funding that impacts students in every school in the district. Ridgefield’s EP&O levy funds programs including athletics, student clubs and activities, Cispus Outdoor School, the Family Resource Center, school supplies, early learning services, Special Education services, staff professional development, enhanced curriculum and courses, technology, and more. 

Capital Facilities and Technology Levy

The second measure, Proposition 13, is a new Capital Facilities and Technology levy designed to address Ridgefield’s growing needs. If approved, the levy would collect a total of $21.2 million from 2026 to 2028, at an estimated rate of $0.84 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The funding—combined with the use of existing development impact fees and state matching funds—would construct a new elementary school and complete overdue deferred maintenance projects at South Ridge and Union Ridge elementary schools. Additionally, this funding would restore the district’s $500,000 annual technology budget that was cut due to budget constraints.

“The board deeply values the community’s input on these levies,” said Board President Brett Jones. “We’ve listened to your thoughts, ideas, and concerns, and made adjustments to ensure these proposals reflect the desire of our community and meet the needs of our students, families, and staff. Your voice matters, and we are committed to transparent and responsible planning for the future of Ridgefield schools.”

A Continued Low Tax Rate for Ridgefield Residents

Ridgefield’s current total school tax rate of $2.66 per $1,000 of assessed property value is the second-lowest in Clark County. Even with the proposed levies, the district aims to maintain a competitive tax rate while meeting its growing operational and facility needs.

For more information about the replacement EP&O levy and the proposed Capital Facilities and Technology levy, visit the district’s website at www.ridgefieldsd.org.

Information provided by the Ridgefield School District.