Building Renovations On Schedule At Mendham Township Schools

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham Township School District administration and construction teams have been working hard this summer to get buildings ready for the new school year.

Both of the school district's buildings are undergoing renovations, which are being funded by the district's recently passed bond referendum.

The summer construction schedule includes improvements to building infrastructure such as roof replacement and exterior stucco renovations, among other things.

All projects have been completed on time to ensure a smooth transition into the 2023-2024 school year, district officials said.

"With every project completed, we are one step closer to the best version of what Mendham Township School District can be," Superintendent Dr. Salvatore Constantino said. "These projects are just the tip of the iceberg for what we have planned for the future of MTSD."

As the district continues to make progress on the projects outlined in the bond referendum, the administration is excited about what these improvements will mean for future Mendham Township students.

The following is a breakdown of progress to date and the upcoming project schedule at Mendham Township Elementary School and Mendham Township Middle School:

Completed Projects (both schools):

• Window repairs, such as re-caulking cracks and replacing weatherproofing to improve energy efficiency
• Outdated, obsolete exterior vents filled or replaced with newer models
• Exterior stucco retouched

Summer 2023 Projects:

• Asbestos abatement in the Mendham Township Middle School main office area, a crucial step toward improving air quality at the school
• Flooring and ceiling removal and replacement in the Mendham Township Middle School main office area
• Roof replacement at Mendham Township Middle School
• Roof replacement at Mendham Township Elementary School
• Kalwall glass window panels installation in 200 and 300 wings at Mendham Township Elementary School

Fall 2023/Winter 2024 Projects (both schools):

• Building exterior updates to be completed by late September
• Individual classroom improvements
• HVAC upgrades

Upcoming Projects:

• Remaining site improvement, interior and HVAC referendum projects are set to begin in 2024
• Final outdoor site improvement construction projects are projected to be completed before the 2024-2025 school year

"We’re staying informed, educating ourselves on current and future trends, as well as introducing innovative ideas to our community," Constantino said.

The projects are expected to cost $19.9 million, with state aid contributing 37 percent to offset the local tax share.

The new debt for residents after passing the referendum is less than the expiring debt, so taxpayers would see a $97 per year school debt tax decrease for a home assessed at Mendham Township's average of $905,519, resulting in a $97 per year school debt tax decrease.

However, if the actual costs of the projects end up being lower than estimated, the money will be used to reduce the debt, and therefore, reduce taxes, district officials said.