Infrastructure, Curriculum Upgrades In Morris School District Depend On Referendum

MORRISTOWN & MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Morris School District has announced a slate of major infrastructure and curriculum upgrades for its schools, but whether they will be implemented remains in the hands of residents.

On March 9, the school district announced it is planning its first bond referendum in 30 years to “address large-scale needs” in Morristown and Morris Township schools.

“Morris School District was built on the mission of creating greater opportunities for all students,” said Superintendent Dr. Anne Mucci. “This referendum would enhance learning environments in all schools throughout the district.”

The proposed projects have been submitted for review by the New Jersey Department of Education. That process will determine state aid eligibility and the estimated impacts to taxpayers, and is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.

Governor Mikie Sherrill’s recently proposed state budget calls for a roughly $21,000 loss in state aid for the Morris School District, a less than one percent loss compared to last year. School officials told Patch that the “slight reduction” in state aid will not impact the district’s proposed projects.

The projects have been separated into four categories: Infrastructure improvements, expanded space, education enhancement, and pool replacement.

See specifics on the projects below, provided by the Morris School District:

Infrastructure improvements

○ New windows would let in more natural light and provide improved security and insulation
○ Roofing would be replaced where it is at the end of its useful life, putting buildings at risk for leaks and costly repairs
○ HVAC projects would enhance comfort and efficiency

○ Building management systems monitor equipment to reduce
unnecessary use and utility costs
○ New boilers
○ Conversion from steam to water heat
○ Classroom unit ventilators that bring in fresh outside air, and provide heating and cooling

○ Electrical upgrades would enhance safety and efficiency, and support the modern demands of educational technology. Emergency generators and fire alarms
would be upgraded where needed.
○ Bathrooms would be modernized with touch-free technology, and improved ventilation and accessibility

Expanded space

○ The Morristown High School (MHS) cafeteria has seating for 300, around a fifth of the school’s enrollment. Expanding the cafeteria would ensure students have adequate time and space for lunch.
○ Frelinghuysen Middle School (FMS) holds World Language instruction and other classes in trailers because of a longstanding space shortage. The workaround is less than optimal for instruction, and transitions to and from the trailers cut into learning time. An eight-classroom addition would bring all students under one roof.
○ Sussex Avenue School had to shift World Language to a cart and might need to repurpose other learning spaces to keep up with high enrollment. A three-classroom addition would relieve crowding and create room for accessibility and safety upgrades.

Educational experience

○ The FMS addition would create room for a STEM lab to support modern curriculum standards and prepare students for the STEM Academy at MHS
○ The FMS auditorium has outdated and poorly functioning seats, lighting and other equipment. A plan to renovate the space and add air conditioning would provide a better experience for students and the community throughout the
year.
○ Renovations at the historic MHS auditorium would include ADA-accessible upgrades, new lighting and a modern climate control system to create a better experience for students and the community
○ The MHS media center would be transformed into a modern, digital-focused space that aligns with the way students work and study
○ Science lab renovations to create spaces that support STEM learning are proposed at Alexander Hamilton, FMS, and MHS

Pool replacement

○ The Morristown High School pool provides endless opportunities for our students to achieve, stay active, and work as a team. The pool has become part of the district’s identity and serves swim teams throughout Morris County, which would have no home base if the pool closes.
○ The pool is at the end of its life and will close if it is not replaced. If voters approve the referendum, the district receives state aid toward the cost of the replacement, and the pool will continue to serve as a school and community resource, as well as a source of community revenue.

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Residents will vote on the referendum in the fall.

The project plans come as the Morris School District unveils its 2026-27 budget, which proposes a 3.5 percent tax increase to residents, as well as staffing cuts. Read more here: Tax Hike, Staff Cuts Proposed In Morris School District Budget