5 Things To Know Ahead Of $20M Mendham Bond Referendum

MENDHAM, NJ — On Tuesday, Mendham residents will be asked to vote on whether to approve a roughly $20 million bond referendum in the Mendham Borough School District.

District officials are aiming to implement several upgrades throughout the district, which will include renovating the library and science lab, updating heating systems, and addressing various other projects at the two K-8 school buildings.

The district has hosted information sessions to educate residents about the referendum, which you can watch for yourself here.

Here are five things to know about the referendum ahead of the Jan. 28 vote:

1. The Total Cost

The district is requesting $19.28 million across two proposals. The first seeks $9.96 million, with $3.4 million in state aid available if voters approve. The second asks for an additional $9.33 million, including funding for a new auditorium, but only if the first proposal passes.

The average Mendham Borough home is assessed at $693,518 and that taxpayer would see an estimated increase of around $22 a month if both questions pass. This increase to school debt tax would not be assessed until the previous bond is paid off in July 2026. The district offers a chart for homeowners to find their assessed value and estimate their updated tax bill here.

If only the first proposal passes, the average borough homeowner would pay $6 less per month over the 25-year term of the referendum.

2. What Projects Need To Be Done

Improvements are needed throughout the district, and officials have emphasized that these upgrades are critical and could happen regardless of the referendum's outcome. However, approving the vote would unlock state aid, reducing the overall cost to taxpayers.

The first ballot question focuses on the district’s top priorities, funding "renovations, alterations, and improvements" at both schools.

At Mountain View Middle School, the proposed improvements include upgrading the science labs to create better learning environments, as fifth graders currently lack a dedicated lab, and the labs for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are outdated and do not meet current academic standards.

The plan also calls for increasing building safety by adding a security vestibule, similar to the one at Hilltop School. Additionally, outdated windows and roofing would be replaced to improve energy efficiency and reduce costly repairs.

At Hilltop Elementary School, the funding would be used to renovate the library (media center) to align with today’s collaborative learning environments and improve sight lines. It would also replace outdated lighting, the roof, and the boiler to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costly repairs.

The second question would approve the addition of a 384-seat auditorium at Mountain View Middle School, enabling Mendham Borough to expand its performing arts education and related arts courses, including public speaking, performance, production and technical skills.

3. Why It's Needed

Officials say the bond proposal includes a combination of essential repairs and upgrades designed to better serve both current and future students, as well as the broader community.

One key example is the proposed auditorium, which would build on the strong passion for the performing arts already thriving in the borough schools and community—over 70% of Mountain View students are involved in performing arts programs.

Currently, students perform musicals and concerts in the cafeteria, a space with a small stage that lacks proper lighting or sound. Audience members use cafeteria tables, chairs, and folding chairs for seating, making it clear that the space was never intended for performances.

The new auditorium would resolve these issues and also feature restrooms conveniently located just outside the venue, district officials said.

The new auditorium would not only serve as a venue for events like Promotion (graduation), which is currently held offsite at West Morris Regional High School, but also for school assemblies and other activities. Additionally, the auditorium would be open for community use.

The district plans to maintain its existing facilities use process, ensuring that local community members and organizations can easily access the space.

If the referendum is approved, work could begin as early as summer of 2025. Projects, such as the auditorium, would be expected to be complete by early 2027.

4. What If The Cost Is Different?

The district addressed concerns about the final cost of the projects being higher or lower than initially estimated, providing some clarity. Officially, the board cannot spend a single penny more on the projects—regardless of the funding source—without additional voter approval.

According to officials, with the help of financial consultants and its architect, Mendham Borough has researched the proposed projects and their associated costs, including a contingency amount in the total estimate. This cushion accounts for potential increases in material costs, gas prices, and interest rates.

If actual costs exceed what voters approved, the plans will be adjusted to stay within budget.

If the cost comes in lower than anticipated, the board is only permitted to spend funds on the projects approved by voters. In the case that there are remaining bond proceeds after the projects are completed, that money would be used to reduce the tax rate.

5. How To Vote

The big question is: how to vote.

The vote is scheduled for Jan. 28 and will take place at standard polling locations in the borough from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here are the official polling locations:

• District 1 and 2: Garabrant Center, 4 Wilson St.
• District 3 and 4: Fire House, 24 E Main St.
• District 5: Mendham Area Senior Housing, 1 Heritage Manor Dr.

If you are unsure of your polling location, click here.

Voters who applied for and received vote-by-mail ballots must ensure they are postmarked by the election date or hand-deliver them to the Morris County Clerk’s Office at 10 Court St. in Morristown by 3 p.m. on Jan. 27—the day before the election.

If there's a glitch at the polling place, such as showing up unaware that a Vote By Mail ballot has already been sent to you, you may be asked to fill out a provisional ballot. This ensures the integrity of the election while preserving legitimate votes.

If you're told you can’t cast a regular ballot for any reason, ask for a provisional ballot. These ballots are reviewed after the polls close, when all paperwork can be carefully examined.

Valid votes will be counted as long as they aren't duplicates, officials said.