Bond Referendum For Mendham Schools Getting Further Discussion

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham Borough's Board of Education will hold a special meeting next week to discuss the upcoming bond referendum.

Ahead of the Jan. 28 bond referendum, the Mendham Borough School District is inviting residents to an in-person Community Referendum Information Forum this Thursday.

The school district established this community forum to ensure that residents are fully informed about the projects associated with this referendum and have ample opportunity to share questions and feedback.

The in-person information session will begin at 6 p.m. at Mountain View School, located at 100 Dean Road, Mendham. Residents are also encouraged to submit any questions in advance to the district's dedicated referendum email at vote@mendhamboroschools.org.

During the district’s strategic planning process last fall, the Mendham Borough community came together to celebrate the district’s strengths and identify areas for continued growth.

Teachers, administrators, board members, parents and community members collaborated to define key priorities for the district over the next five years. The goals set during the 2024-2029 strategic planning process have directly influenced the projects proposed in the two-part bond referendum scheduled for Jan. 28.

Question 1: Upgrades to learning environments, infrastructure and security

Question 2: Addition of an auditorium at Mountain View School

If question one passes, homeowners with an average-assessed property can expect a decrease of about $6 per month in their property tax. This is because the new debt suggested in question one is lower than the current school debt, keeping the tax rate nearly the same.

If both questions pass, homeowners with an average-assessed property will see an increase of about $22 per month in their school debt tax. Question two will only take effect if question one is approved.

For example, if both questions are approved, a resident with a home assessed at $500,000 would see a tax increase of $16 per month, while someone with an assessed value of $800,000 would face an increase of $25 per month.

However, it’s important to note that assessed value differs from and is often lower than, market value. To find your home’s assessed value, visit njpropertyrecords.com.

According to the school board, all the proposed projects in question one are eligible for the maximum amount of state aid. However, the district can only receive this funding if voters approve the bond referendum.

Here is a breakdown of the improvements for question one:

MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL

• Upgrade science labs: Modernize facilities to create better learning environments. Currently, fifth graders lack a dedicated science lab and the sixth through eighth grade labs are outdated and don’t meet current academic standards.
• Increase building safety: Add a security vestibule (Hilltop School already has one) to enhance safety for students and staff.
• Replace outdated windows and roofing: Improve energy efficiency and reduce costly repairs by replacing old windows and roofing.

HILLTOP SCHOOL

• Renovate the library (media center): Update the space to support modern, collaborative learning environments and improve sight lines for better usability.
• Replace outdated lights, roof and boiler: Enhance energy efficiency and reduce costly repairs by upgrading old lighting, roofing and the boiler system.

Here is a breakdown of the improvements for question two:

MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL

• Build an auditorium: Create a dedicated space for performing arts education, including public speaking, performance, production and technical skills. This auditorium will also serve as a venue for school and community events like graduations, talent showcases and performances.
• Provide space for community events: Offer a welcoming area for the community to attend school events, enhancing opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
• Create a music classroom: Designate a specific space for music classes to support the district’s arts programs and provide a better learning environment for students.

The proposed addition would include a state-of-the-art auditorium with over 380 seats, providing a dedicated venue for events such as promotions (currently held offsite at West Morris Regional High School), school assemblies and more. According to the district, the auditorium would also be available for community use.

If voters approve question two, the auditorium is expected to be completed by early 2027.

For more information, click here.