Ridgefield School Board Reviews AI Priorities, Drills Down On Policy Changes

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Education on May 26 approved several policy revisions and reviewed progress on districtwide priorities ranging from artificial intelligence and student wellness to facilities planning and special education.

Board members unanimously approved revisions to the district’s policy on the administration of student medications in schools and approved a new chemical health policy for student athletes. The board also rescinded policies related to juvenile diabetes management and communicable diseases. The votes were unanimous among members present.

The board also approved revisions to the district’s Pledge of Allegiance policy and set the 2026-27 nonresident tuition rate for children of district, town, food service and First Student employees at $6,639, a slight increase from the current year.

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During superintendent updates, Superintendent Susie Da Silva highlighted Ridgefield High School’s designation as a 2026 Connecticut Blue Ribbon School, recognized for high academic performance, college and career readiness programming and low chronic absenteeism rates. Da Silva said Ridgefield High ranked among the top 5 percent of Connecticut high schools serving grades 9-12.

Board Chair Tina Malhotra also announced the district is seeking applicants to fill the Board of Education seat vacated by former member Wyatt Lipman. Because the seat was held by a Democrat, the replacement must also be a Democrat. Applications are due June 4, with interviews expected by June 9.

Much of the meeting focused on a year-end review of the district’s 2025-26 priorities.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Cory Gillette and Da Silva discussed ongoing work in advanced academic programming, including efforts to expand enrichment opportunities and better identify twice-exceptional students. Gillette said approximately 40 students in grades 2-5 currently receive Tier One Plus enrichment services, while six students are formally receiving Advanced and Innovative Gifted services.

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Board members spent part of the May 26 meeting discussing Ridgefield Public Schools’ approach to artificial intelligence, including how AI is being used instructionally and whether additional policies may be needed for staff use. During a review of district priorities, member Jon Paradiso said the district’s current AI guidance appears primarily student-focused and asked administrators whether clearer policies should be developed for teachers’ use of AI-generated materials. Paradiso specifically questioned whether AI could be used in areas such as classroom materials or student assessments and said the district should be prepared to answer broader public questions about how educators are using the technology.

Gillette said district staff continue to study AI implementation as part of curriculum development and digital citizenship efforts. Gillette and Superintendent Susie Da Silva said administrators are reviewing both instructional practices and governance questions while adapting to technology that continues to evolve rapidly. Da Silva pointed board members to a March curriculum presentation that outlined where AI is being used at different grade levels and how the district is approaching teacher-facing and student-facing applications. She said the district’s ongoing summer curriculum work includes evaluating how AI tools support instruction while maintaining appropriate safeguards for students.

The discussion expanded into broader concerns about technology use and screen time in schools. Board member Rob Siegel said some parents continue to raise concerns about the amount of time elementary students spend on devices and asked how the district verifies that technology is being used intentionally rather than by default. Administrators responded that classroom technology usage is monitored closely and said district walkthroughs have often shown less device use than some parents perceive. Gillette said technology use varies depending on grade level, curriculum units and testing periods, while Da Silva said the district has learned that some concerns stem from communication gaps about how and when technology is used in classrooms.

The board also received updates on social-emotional learning and student wellness initiatives.

Administrators said the addition of full-time social-emotional learning deans at both middle schools has improved behavioral support and coordination with staff. Gillette described the positions as “transformative” in helping both proactive and reactive student support efforts.

At Ridgefield High School, administrators highlighted the “Thrive Together” student wellness initiative, which brings students and staff together to discuss stress, balance and school culture. Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Elizabeth Hannaway said students consistently identified pressure tied to grades, workload and comparison culture as major concerns.

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Board members discussed whether the district should create additional structures for student voice, including potentially adding nonvoting student representatives to the Board of Education. Administrators also described efforts to gather broader student feedback through student advisory meetings and outreach programs.

Facilities updates included progress on the Prospect Ridge project. Facilities Director Joe Morits told the board interior work is expected to wrap up by early June, with site work continuing through the summer. Administrators said they expect the building to be ready before the start of the school year, pending final inspections and occupancy approvals.

The board also discussed continued space pressures in preschool programming and long-range planning connected to the district’s facilities master plan. Administrators said current preschool space remains compliant but limits the district’s ability to expand full-day programming.