$138M On The Line As Mahwah Looks To Improve Schools

MAHWAH, NJ — Mahwah residents will be asked in March to vote on a measure to use $138M in aid and loans for improvements to its school buildings.

The Board of Education will host a Referendum Presentation on Tuesday at 1 p.m. to explain the proposal to residents, as well as two more presentations in February. Districts turn to referendums 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.

A bond referendum allows a district to borrow money for these substantial, long-term investments, similar to taking out a home improvement loan or mortgage.

Dr. Michael DeTuro, the superintendent of schools, will go over the goals for the project and answer residents' questions Tuesday.

The event will be held in the town's multipurpose room.

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."

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

The district said that they plan to:

• Apply for state aid
• Use the money to improve facilities, and
• Spread out the costs over time.

The referendum will be held on March 10.

You can learn more about the proposal here.