***Important update, October 17, 2024***
In response to feedback received from the community, Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez has recommended to the Board of Directors that the district withdraw its land use application for property designated for the site of a future middle school. The board has approved the request, and the district is in the process of withdrawing its application with Clark County.
"I am grateful to the Board of Directors for their leadership and willingness to explore alternative options for the district's facility needs," Rodriquez said. "Community feedback is vital in helping to shape the future of Ridgefield School District, and encourage everyone to complete our Levy Options Survey."
For reference the original information and request for comment is included below.
The Ridgefield School District owns a 14.95-acre parcel of land located at 18216 NE 29th Avenue in Ridgefield within the Four Creeks neighborhood. This parcel may be utilized for a future school site, but specific plans will not be implemented until the district consults with a Citizens Facility Advisory Committee that will help guide future development of new schools.
As part of development of neighboring properties, the district is in the process of Clark County land use approvals. The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires the county to determine if there are possible significant adverse environmental impacts associated with this proposal. Public comments about the future project are being accepted now through Wednesday, October 2nd. The public is encouraged to comment on the proposal, and all received comments are utilized by County staff to inform their report.
The hearing date has been postponed until Thursday, December 12th at 6:00 p.m. via video conferencing. Internet access is not required, and participants can connect by phone. You can sign up to testify at the hearing no later than noon on the day of the hearing 12/12, by emailing CommDevOALandUse@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564-397-4911. You can also submit testimony in advance via email at developmentcomments@clark.wa.gov by providing the case number (the case number for this project is #PSR-2024-00133) and your testimony.
The purpose of a land use hearing is for the applicant, citizens, and groups to present evidence regarding a proposed development to a hearings examiner. The examiner makes their decision of approval or denial based upon the following evidence:
The requirements of state and county codes, and relevant legal precedence
The proposed plan and evidence submitted by the applicant
Staff analysis and recommendation as presented in the staff report
Verbal testimony by the applicant, public, and staff
Please visit https://clark.wa.gov/community-development/land-use-hearings for more information and links to attend the upcoming hearings.