Mendham Township School District
Every Student, Every Day!
Voters said YES to School Bond Referendum! What's next?
Official results showed that voters supported the bond referendum for Mendham Township School District! Voter approval means the district is now moving forward with a $19.9 million plan to repair and renovate the district’s two schools with enhanced safety and security features, critical maintenance, and STEM instructional spaces. State aid will cover 37 percent of the project costs; that’s money that the township’s residents contribute to the state and now will get back to improve the schools.
The Board of Education thanks all voters who made their voices heard and looks forward to taking the next important steps for Mendham Township’s future.
This website is being maintained as the one place for accurate and up-to-date information as construction advances. We will communicate and update the estimated timeline periodically on the Construction Updates page.
Mendham Township residents are proud of the high-quality, top-ranked education offered to every child. It’s why many of them call the township home. The school district plans for continuous improvement and is asking the community to vote in a bond referendum to fund building repairs and renovations, tech-centered instructional spaces, safety and security upgrades, and more.
What is a Bond Referendum?
A bond referendum is a vote in which the district seeks permission to borrow funds through the sale of bonds. This process gives the community a voice – and a vote – in the district’s future and is the only way for the district to tap into a specific type of state aid.
A Voice in Mendham Township’s Future
The Mendham Township School District started this process by listening to the community. The district conducted a survey to hear from residents, and solicited input from a committee composed of community members of all ages and stages of life, ranging from young parents to retirees, and families with deep roots in Mendham to newcomers.
Here is what we heard:
Our commitment to quality runs deep – and is the reason so many of you chose to live in Mendham Township. We’re proud when our schools earn the coveted National Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education, and again when U.S. News & World Report ranks our schools top five in the state.
When asked ‘Why Mendham Township?’ the answer is the schools. A new resident survey sent to 245 Mendham Township households in June 2020 found that 48% said the quality of the schools was the most important factor for their move here, and 72% said the quality of the schools was “very important.”
Our district stands apart from others for overall academic excellence, school security, and technology integration. In 2021, a survey of 296 community members, primarily parents (97%), highlighted those points of pride.
What’s Proposed for Schools?
The district is in the process of creating modern instructional spaces to match the premier educational offerings that draw families to the township. A number of the renovations are designed to support student collaboration – a cornerstone of a Mendham Township education – as well as safety and security.
Both schools are getting renovated Media Centers and new Innovation Labs, updated nurse’s offices and the restrooms within them, and outdoor educational pavilions for students and township residents to enjoy. The proposal includes safety upgrades that will make entryways ADA compliant and create security vestibules, as well as critical maintenance projects such as roof replacements, parking lot repavement, and more.
Mendham Township Elementary School
New Innovation Labs to inspire STEM collaboration and problem-solving, and a new Wellness Center to support the health and academic well-being of every student
Renovation of special education classrooms and the nurse’s office, as well as the art room, multipurpose room (cafeteria), and vocal and performing arts room to support our current and future programming
Mendham Township Middle School
New Health Center with fitness machines and other equipment to support regular workouts and a healthy lifestyle.
New Innovation Labs to promote the development of scientific thinking and experimentation, and renovation of the science, art, and general music rooms, as well as the nurse’s office
Learn more about the Proposed Projects.
How Much of a Tax Decrease?
The projects are estimated to cost $19.9 million, and state aid would contribute 37% to reduce the local tax share. The new debt will be a lower amount than 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.
Recording: Virtual Forum
Mendham Township School District held a virtual forum on Jan. 12 to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the bond referendum before voting on Jan. 25. Residents were able to ask questions of Superintendent Dr. Sal Constantino and Board of Education President Gretchen Holquist.