Mendham Twp. School District Will Hold Jan. 25 Bond Referendum

Mendham Township – The Board of Education will ask the community to vote January 25 on a $19.9 million bond referendum that would fund vital building repairs and renovations, tech-centered instructional spaces, and safety and security upgrades, among other improvements.

State aid that is only available through a voter-approved bond referendum would cover 37 percent of the cost of the projects. Without this funding source, 100 percent of the expense would fall on local property taxes and the projects would take much longer to complete.

The Mendham Township School District, which consists of an elementary school and a middle school, worked with the community to identify projects focused on safety and security, technology instruction, and overall academic excellence. Community members participated in the district’s Strategic Plan as well as a survey on district priorities conducted earlier this year.

The Board unanimously approved a resolution to hold a bond referendum at its Oct. 12 meeting. “The timing is ideal for the district to make much-needed renovations and repairs, and to create innovative learning spaces where students can gain 21st-century skills,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sal Constantino. “The combination of state aid and retiring debt positions us to make these important improvements while actually lowering taxes.”

You heard right: Taxes would decrease
The district worked with advisors to carefully choose projects that would both meet district needs and maximize the amount of aid available from the state. Because of existing debt retired this year and more debt that will retire next year, taxpayers would see a $97 decrease in the debt service tax levy for a home assessed at Mendham Township’s average of $905,519.

Projects to benefit every student
The proposed improvements center on safety and education, which the district considers its primary responsibilities to students and their families.

Both school buildings and grounds would benefit from:

• Safety and security upgrades including accessible entryways, and construction on main entrance security vestibules.
• Innovation Labs where students could learn through hands-on activities steeped in technology and science
• Renovated Media Centers, updated nurse’s offices and the restrooms within them, and outdoor educational pavilions for students and township residents to enjoy
• Roof replacements, and driveway and parking lot upgrades

Mendham Township Elementary School would receive:

• Renovation of special education classrooms and the nurse’s office, as well as the visual art room, multipurpose room (cafeteria), and vocal and performing arts room
• New Wellness Center to support the health and academic well-being of every student

Mendham Township Middle School would receive:

• Renovation of specific classrooms, including the ones dedicated to technology, visual art, music and science
• New Physical Education Health and Wellness Center to support regular workouts and healthy lifestyles

Community outreach
The district will use various means to educate all voters, including a dedicated website, mendhamtwp.org/vote, social media, information tables at local events, and special bond referendum forums. Residents can also send questions about the bond referendum to referendum@mendhamtwp.org.

Mendham Township school leaders say the referendum is a financially strategic way to ensure the district maintains the high standards that attract residents. Both of the district’s schools were named National Blue Ribbon Award winners by the Department of Education, and U.S. News & World Report ranks the schools among the top five in New Jersey.

“The schools are why many people choose to live in Mendham Township,” said Board President Gretchen Holquist. “The bond referendum gives us a chance to elevate our buildings to the level of the education that takes place within them.”