Initial election results show Ridgefield School District’s two levies passing

Election results will continue to be updated as additional ballots are counted in the coming days, and the election is due to be certified on Fri., Feb. 21

The initial results from the February 11, 2025, Special Election indicate that both of Ridgefield School District’s levy propositions are passing. As of the first ballot count, Proposition 12, the district’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy, has received 54.33% approval, and Proposition 13, the district’s Capital Facilities and Technology levy, has 54.89% approval.

Both measures require a simple majority (50% +1) to pass. Election results will continue to be updated as additional ballots are counted in the coming days, and the election is due to be certified on Fri., Feb. 21.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ridgefield community for supporting our levy proposals and for the valuable feedback you provided throughout this process,” said Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez. “Your input helped shape these measures to best meet the needs of our students, staff, and schools, and your commitment ensures we can continue providing high-quality educational opportunities, restore our technology budget, and build and maintain safe and modern facilities. This investment in our schools is an investment in Ridgefield’s future, and we sincerely appreciate your trust and partnership.”

“On behalf of the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for your support of these levies,” said Board President Brett Jones. “Your vote directly impacts the education and well-being of our students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We appreciate your continued dedication to making Ridgefield schools the best they can be.”

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.

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 current facility needs. This levy will 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–will construct a third elementary school in the district and complete overdue deferred maintenance projects at South Ridge and Union Ridge elementary schools. Additionally, this levy restores the district’s $500,000 annual technology budget that was cut due to budget constraints.

Updated projected total school tax rates

The total Ridgefield school tax rate in 2026 is estimated to be approximately $3.65 per $1,000 of assessed value. This total school tax rate includes an estimated $1.06 for existing bonds; $1.75 for the Replacement EP&O levy; and $0.84 for the Capital Facilities and Technology levy. 

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

Information provided by the Ridgefield School District.