No Child Left Behind and School Funding
by Katherine McGerald, August 30
In 2002 Congress enacted the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) with the well-intentioned goal "to close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice so that no child is left behind." (Public Law 107-110-107th Congress) While the purpose of NCLB is admirable, implementing it has become problematic, with the main complaints focusing on the under funding of NCLB and that the law is too focused on testing. The Democratic Town Committee is offering a free, non-partisan forum on Education: No Child Left behind and School Funding on September 26, 2007, at 7:00 pm at the Dayton Room at the Ridgefield Library.
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Transparency, Accountability & Bipartisanship at the BOE
by by Paul R. Sutherland, August 15
My family and I moved to Ridgefield 6 years ago, partly because of the good schools. With two children still in Ridgefield High School, I continue to believe Ridgefield schools are good, but they could be better. From my position as parent and taxpayer, there are a number of improvement opportunities that the Board of Education (BOE) could address in the coming school year.
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Are we a Nation of Laws?
by Susan Cocco, July 3
Just when you think the Bush Presidency cannot get any worse, it does. George W's commutation of Scooter Libby's 30 month sentence for perjury and obstruction of justice underscores the cynicism and disrespect for the democratic institutions of America held by the President and the sycophants comprising his staff. The commutation is far more than a slap in the face to the prosecutor, the judge, the jury and the people. It is a declaration of invincibility, a contemporary version of the Sun King's motto, l'etat c'est moi. Bush flaunts his power as callously as the 17th century potentate.
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Senior Services in Ridgefield
by Ria Miller, May 17
Having lived in Ridgefield for 11 years hardly qualifies me as a native (I think you had to have been born here), but I thought I pretty well knew this town. Last fall, I had to bring my 86 and 82 year old mother and father up north for two months. I discovered a whole different side to the Ridgefield area. Not only is this area ideal for young families, but the services and attractions available to an older person rivals any retirement community in Florida (ok, maybe not the weather).
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Bullets, Bigotry, Blowhards and Blame
by Stan Galanski, May 10
Just as America was recovering from the shock and horror of the senseless slaughter that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech, the newspaper headlines captured another stunning murder of an innocent by a madman at the Houston Space Center. Once again, a handgun was used in the killing. This time, the gun was easily carried in past security guards.
It is time for America's love affair with handguns to end...
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The Politicizing of Education in Ridgefield
by Susan Cocco, May 3
I think I am experiencing déjà vu of the most unpleasant kind. Education in Ridgefield-the administration, the teachers, the curriculum and the budget are the targets of attack which looks to be conceived of by parties from a certain pachyderm party. I've seen it in Ridgefield before; I am horrified to see it again.
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Ridgefield's Capital Needs
by Dave Ulmer, March 8
It's March madness, springtime, and budget season again in Ridgefield. On Monday, March 26th, the Board of Finance will hold a meeting for public comments following presentation of proposed budgets from the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen. After review by the Board of Finance, which takes into account forecast revenues, voters will be asked to approve, separately, FY2008 School and Town operating budgets and, under several initiatives yet to be determined, requests for Capital Expenditures.
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Affordable Housing: Just the FAQs
by Dave Goldenberg, February 22
What is affordable housing?
There are several different legal and statistical definitions, but they all more or less come down to this: Any housing that costs you more than 30% of your income (including rent, or mortgage, taxes and utilities) isn't really affordable.Is Ridgefield housing affordable?
Not to be facetious, but it depends what you can afford...
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Ridgefield is Number one
by Katherine McGerald, February 8
Ridgefield has been named the number one town in the 15,000 — 25,000 range by Connecticut Magazine multiple times over the past fifteen years. The obvious reasons are our beautiful Main Street, a strong and thriving library, and excellent schools.
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