Voters APPROVE The Mendham Borough bond referendum!

Unofficial results indicate voters have overwhelmingly approved the two-question proposal to improve Mendham Borough schools including upgrades to science labs and security at Mountain View, renovating the Hilltop library/media center, and building a new auditorium.

The tally as of Tuesday night included 701 votes in favor and 203 opposed for Question 1 and 601 votes in favor and 300 opposed for Question 2. The totals will be updated over the next few days as officials count mail-in ballots that were postmarked by the election date and verify provisional ballots. Updates will be posted on this website.

The district administration and Board of Education thank the community for learning about the referendum and taking the time to vote. We look forward to these improvements that will build upon our tradition of excellence.

During the district’s strategic planning process last fall, the Mendham Borough community came together to celebrate the district’s strengths and identify opportunities for continued excellence. Teachers, administrators, board members, parents, and community members collaborated to identify district priorities for the next five years.

Goals set by the 2024-2029 strategic planning process guided the projects proposed in a two-part bond referendum on January 28.

Question 1 would improve our schools with a slight decrease to the tax rate, as it replaces a tax that is ending.
Question 2 would build an auditorium at Mountain View School, reflecting a priority in our Strategic Plan.

Watch more informational videos

Watch a recording of the Dec. 18 Virtual Referendum Information Forum. Listen to teachers, administrators and Board members shared how the proposed projects would transform learning environments.

VIEW ALL VOTER INFORMATION HERE

A group of students pose with their instruments outside. Text on graphic reads: 70% of Mountain View students, participate in the performing arts.

Three students working around a table in a classroom.

ENRICHING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Increase building safety by adding a security vestibule at Mountain View School (Hilltop School already has one) and replacing the windows.
Create a fifth-grade science lab and update existing science labs at Mountain View and the Hilltop library (media center) to reflect today's collaborative learning environments.

Students sitting in cafeteria at tables.

MAINTAINING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Prioritize projects that qualify for the maximum amount of state aid (only available through a voter-approved referendum).
Replace lights, roofing, windows and boilers to boost energy efficiency and reduce patch-work fixes.

Student with red hair high-fiving Mendham Borough mascot.

FOSTERING COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS

Build an auditorium at Mountain View School that creates an appropriate gathering place that would support performing arts education, and expand related arts courses to include public speaking, performance, production, and technical areas - more than 70% of Mountain View students participate in the performing arts.
Provide much-needed space to welcome community members to school events, such as graduations, the talent showcases, performances and more.

Read the FAQs

These Proposals Build Upon Our Tradition of Excellence

The Mendham Borough School District is an award-winning school district and is recognized for setting and maintaining high standards for our top-rated public schools. However, our buildings need attention, and our facilities need to be upgraded. The Board of Education developed this plan to ensure Mendham Borough continues to maintain the community’s tradition of providing students with an exceptional education that prepares them for the future.

The Board and district administration chose this funding strategy to:

Improve our local schools with the advantage of more than $3.3 million in state aid. This funding is only available through a voter-approved bond referendum.

Time the continued investment in our schools with a new tax starting as an older one ends.

See upgrades in just a few years while having the cost of the projects spread over time (similar to a home equity loan).

Watch this concept video to see what the proposed addition at Mountain View School could look like, if the referendum passes.

See More Facility Photos

If both questions pass, the net tax increase would be $22 per month for a home assessed at the Borough's average: $693,518.

If voters approve Question 1 the Jan. 28 bond referendum, the owner of a home assessed at Mendham Borough’s average of $693,518 would see an estimated net decrease of $76 per year in taxes for PreK-8 school debt.

If both questions pass, the owner of a home assessed at Mendham Borough’s average ($693,518) can expect to pay a net tax impact of about $22 per month.

The projects proposed qualify for the state’s financial aid program that could bring more than $3.3 million to Mendham Borough.

See Funding Details

A timeline depiction of how the District reached a bond referendum starting in the Fall of 2024 during strategic planning, to the virtual and in-person forums and finally the vote.

Mendham Borough School District is committed to keeping the community informed and engaged leading up to Jan. 28.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Email: vote@mendhamboroschools.org

A photo of an assembly held in the cafetorium at Mount View. Students fill the room, sitting on cafeteria tables and a speaker at the front of the room without a microphone. It reads: The current cafetorium is used for meeting space, hosting school assemblies, students performances and eating lunch.

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