Mahwah Residents Can Learn About $138M School Bond Referendum At 2 Meetings

MAHWAH, NJ – The Mahwah School District is encouraging community members to learn about an upcoming $138M bond referendum at either of two meetings — one virtual and one in person.

The forums are intended to inform Mahwah residents about the upcoming two-question bond vote on March 10.

The meetings will be held next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Mahwah High School auditorium, and a virtual forum on Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Attendees will hear from district leaders, board members, staff members, and the advisers who helped plan the referendum.

The district hopes to acquire $138M in aid and loans to improve its facilities. Mahwah officials have said the improvements will benefit all six of the school buildings in town through upgrades, repairs, and "improved learning and activity spaces."

Districts turn to referenda primarily because they cannot afford large-scale capital improvement projects, such as building new schools or performing major renovations, using only their annual operating budgets.

The Board of Education voted last month to go through with the bond referendum.

“We are committed to ensuring every Mahwah resident has the facts to make an informed decision,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael DeTuro. “These forums are a vital part of our transparency efforts, allowing us to explain the long-term benefits of these projects and the significant state aid we stand to capture.”

Participants may ask questions following the presentation at both forums. A recording of the virtual forum will be available to watch at www.mahwah.k12.nj.us/future.

Visit www.mahwah.k12.nj.us/future to learn more about what’s on the March 10 ballot or email future@mahwah.k12.nj.us for questions about referendum.