Ridgefield News
October 8, 2000

School Summit Airs Issues

Rudy Marconi addresses School Summit

Oct. 8 -- At today's school summit, town officials discussed and debated alternative approaches to building additional capacity for Ridgefield's crowded elementary school system. First Selectman Rudy Marconi called the boards and commissions together to resolve the debate over differing approaches to adding classrooms to the system. Members of Planning and Zoning, Selectmen, Parks and Recreation, Finance, Education, and other boards came to discuss alternative approaches before more than 100 Ridgefielders.

The strong turnout was notable in that it took place on a Sunday during the Columbus Day holiday weekend. Spokespeople for READ, Ridgefield's pro-school advocacy group, reported that about 70% of attendees were school supporters.

(Left) READ members Rob Miller and Paula Bruns confer. READ asked their members to wear red to the Summit, in a display of solidarity. (Right) School Superintendent Ralph Wallace addresses a question about the future elementary school population.

(Left) First Selectman Marconi speaks to the group. Seated are school board members (from left, in red striped sweater) Bob Opotzner, Mary Pat Devine, and Mary Miller. (Right) Architectural plans for the various elementary school alternatives were displayed for townspeople to review.

(Left) First Selectman Rudy Marconi listens to a question. Selectmen Steve Zemo, Barbara Manners,and Peter Yanity are facing away from the camera. (Right) Parks and Recreation Commission members.

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