Vote For $26M West Morris Regional School Bond Issue Is Tuesday

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Residents in the West Morris Regional High School District head to the polls Tuesday to vote on a measure to fund improvements at the two high schools.

Registered voters in Chester Borough, Chester Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Washington Township are eligible to cast their ballots.

Voters will be asked if the school should issue about $26 million in bonds, to fund improvements and updates around the district. Officials said taxpayers would get a reduction in the school debt part of their property tax bills if the issue passes, compared to the current bond issue that taxpayers are paying off.

If residents approve the referendum, both schools would receive significant similar upgrades, including air conditioning in all classrooms, cafeteria and kitchen upgrades, and roof and parking lot repairs.

Polls are open Tuesday, March 12 from from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All mailed ballots must be postmarked, or turned in to a local drop box, by Tuesday as well.

According to district officials, West Morris Regional is in the unique position of presenting voters with a plan that would decrease school debt taxes by about 35 percent. Because the district is nearing the end of its debt payments from the last referendum (passed in 2004), taxpayers will still pay less than they did before if the current referendum is approved.

The $26 million plan also includes updates to both schools' technology labs and the field house shower and storage facilities. The West Morris Mendham culinary arts room would be refurbished to improve student learning and meet student interest, and the public address system would be upgraded to match West Morris Central's.

The total project costs for the referendum would be $26,047,276, with the state contributing $7,983,309 if the voters approve it, district officials said.

Early voting ended Monday at 3 p.m.

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