Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Referendum needed?

The staff and student bathrooms are run-down, damaged and outdated.  Mountain Way School is facing significant challenges with regard to space.  Currently, there are five programs that are limited to a cart instead of a classroom, including Art, Cultural Arts, ESL, Reading Specialist, and Enrichment.  Additionally, there are several programs that are sharing spaces, including OT w/ RISE, PT w/ Preschool, Resource Room w/ Art Storage, Basic Skills Math w/ Basic Skills LAL, and STEM w/ Creative Literacy Library.  In all of these instances, our programs are strained by the lack of space and limited access to materials.  There are also several necessary environments that there is no space for at Mountain Way including a sensory room, conference room, inclusive playground area, outdoor classroom, and a general education classroom space.  

What prompted the District to consider a Referendum now?

The Morris Plains Board of Education Finance Committee has been actively monitoring the status of our schools through the review of the Long Range Facility Plan. We are asking the public to support this referendum because the board has unanimously concluded that there are an increasing number of facility concerns that need to be expediently addressed. The Morris Plains Board of Education is unable to include these necessary projects in our annual budget without significantly decreasing the well-being of our students. In addition, the Department of Education has determined that the Borough School bathroom renovation project qualifies for approximately 40% funding of the total project cost.  Debt Service aid is the only way for suburban schools to get decent State Aid.

What is Debt Service?

Debt service refers to the annual debt obligations of a school district, consisting of principal and interest payments for previously approved projects. It is a completely separate budget from a district’s operating budget (aka General Fund). The General Fund pays for items like supplies, benefits, and salaries. Debt service is fixed when bonds are sold, and it is a separate part of the school tax rate. It is not an optional budget allocation (since it was already approved by voters). 

What are the costs for each project?

The cost of the Mountain Way expansion project is approximately $7,240,350 and the cost of the Borough School bathroom renovation project is approximately $2,257,650.

How many bathrooms will be renovated in Borough School?

The Borough School bathroom project (40% will be funded through State Aid) includes 12 hallway bathrooms (44 toilets/fixtures) and 3 staff bathrooms.  Current state of the bathroom images can be found under the "presentations and videos" tab on the website. 

What is the size of the projected Mountain Way Addition?

The Mountain Way addition will be 6,700 square feet, and it will include 2 single occupancy bathrooms, 7 instructional spaces (that can be converted to 5 classroom spaces) and two rooftop units (HVAC).  

Is the Mountain Way expansion project a result of increased enrollment?

No.  Enrollment numbers throughout the district have remained fairly consistent over the past ten years.  In fact, there were 30 more students in Mountain Way School in December 2015 compared to December 2022 reports.  The increase in specialized programs serves as the driving force behind Mountain Way’s classroom expansion plan. 

Why is there limited space in Mountain Way?

The following instructional and remedial support programs have recently been added or increased in Mountain Way School:

• Added Resource Room

• Added STEM Program

• Added RISE Program

• Added STARS Program

• Added Reading Specialist

• Increased OT and PT Services

• Increased ESL Services

• Increased preschool enrollment

• Increased number of students who need remedial and special education services

In addition, the number of special education students has significantly increased over the past three years, particularly at Mountain Way School.  

How have these programs positively impacted the District?

By providing our multiple disabilities RISE program and our emotionally disabled STARS programs throughout the District, we have been able to reduce our out of district tuition, transportation costs, and comprehensive evaluations.  The District has saved approximately $2.2 million in special education tuition in the past three years and will continue to save in perpetuity for as long as we are able to sustain our programs, which requires additional space. 

Were further options explored to address capacity issues in Mountain Way School?

Yes.  The District explored moving 2nd grade to Borough.  Mock-up schedules and room assignments were drafted.  However, master-schedule changes were necessary, Related Arts programs would be compromised, and Borough School resources and capacity would be strained, impacting students across all Borough School grade levels.  The District also explored using trailers.  However, exterior space is limited without impacting the building structure, play area, and parking lots.  Additionally, trailers are expensive to purchase/rent and maintain, and they would only be short-term solutions.  Trailers would not meet the needs of the current space/student services challenges that current exist.  The District also explored leasing space at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Trinity Lutheran Church is not equipped with the infrastructure and capacity to meet the needs of our learners.  The classrooms are small and the building could not accommodate the spaces identified in the referendum project.  Also, access to the church would require significant expenses, including expanded personnel, which the District cannot support in their operational budget.   Lastly, the church would still be in operation and would conduct mass during the school day.  The District also considered using the Community Center.  First, the building is not for sale.  Secondly, it is has heavy traffic throughout the day/evening to support community-based events, programs, committees, etc.  Thirdly, similar to Trinity Lutheran Church, the building does not fully address Mountain Way's classroom space challenges, and more personnel would be needed to operate Community Center, which the district cannot support in their operational budget.  

I am a resident of Morris Plains but I have no children in the schools; why should I vote “yes” on this Referendum?

When completed, school improvements lead directly to better student performance—and as a result, to more valuable communities. According to a 2010 report in the Wall Street Journal, there is a higher correlation between school performance and home values.  The increased availability of school data has led to more families searching for homes based on the quality of schools in the neighborhood.  Also, in a recent study by the Brookings Institution, they found that housing costs tend to be higher in areas where high-scoring schools are located.  In fact, the study found an average difference of $205,000 in home prices between houses near high-performing and low-performing schools.   

What is the timeline for the construction on both projects?

Upon approval of the referendum by the voters, projects at both buildings could begin as early as summer of 2023.  We fully expect the referendum projects to be completed by September 2024.  

Will the building be safe during the 2023-2024 school year, when construction workers are on-site during the school day?  

Construction workers at Mountain Way School WILL NOT be permitted to enter schools, for any reason.  Nearly all of the construction will occur outside Mountain Way School.  Entranceways and exterior doors at Mountain Way School will remain locked throughout the school day.  Construction vehicle parking will be in a designated area, near the construction zone, and construction vehicles will not be permitted to enter or exit school grounds during drop-off and pick-up times.  In Borough School, construction workers will not be permitted in the building during school hours. 

Is there a recess plan for Mountain Way students during the 2023-2024 school year, assuming the referendum passes and construction will make the current recess area unaccessible? 

Yes.   For the 2023-2024 school year, recess will be relocated to the flat, grassy area at the bottom of the hill in front of Mountain Way School.  Key points are highlighted below:

• Students have gym every other day (which is far more frequent than most elementary schedules). 

• Play and socialization time is part of the Kindergarten classroom experience.

• One or two Friday’s/month extended recess time may be scheduled to utilize Watnong Park.

• Lunch schedules may require students to eat in their classrooms, allowing the gym to be open for indoor recess.

• The grassy area in the front of Mountain Way is actually a bigger play space than the current, fenced-in space.  It will have soccer goals, toys and sports equipment, and structured play.  We will seek parent volunteers on a daily basis to further support the supervision model. 

• Temporary fencing will be erected along Graniss and Mountain Way as a safety precaution measure. 

• We will have the grounds assessed by tree experts over the summer, and trim all dead branches and tree limbs.

How does the new Mountain Way outdoor space compare to the current outdoor space?

1. More usable space

• • Poured rubber & turf surfacing allows for play regardless of wet ground conditions

  • Larger play structure to accommodate more children

  • Play area is approximately 14,000 sq. ft., far exceeding recommended space for the average recess population at Mountain Way School

2. Increased equitable access to play and social interaction

• Even surfacing will promote inclusive play for children with gross motor delays

• Barrier-free play structure

3.  Addition of outdoor classroom space

• Accessible and available for all teachers to use.

How long will this bond be in effect?

The referendum is seeking authority for a 20-year bond totaling $9,498,000.  The district continuously monitors the bond market and would consider refinancing the bonds if it in future years it proves beneficial for taxpayers. In fact, a market analysis is required every five years.

What happens to my property taxes if the referendum is approved?

An average Morris Plains taxpayer with a home assessed value of $440,000 will see an average annual property tax increase of $63 ($5.25/month).  This increase will fluctuate slightly annually based on actual ratables.  

Can voting for the Referendum be done through mail-in ballots?

Yes.  The office of the Morris County Clerk will prepare, make available and distribute, as applicable, the mail-in, sample and actual ballots and the voting machine inserts in the School District. The mail-in ballot application deadline (by mail) is March 7, 2023. The deadline to apply in person for the mail-in ballot is March 13, 2023 by 3:00 p.m.  If a resident has already signed up for mail-in-ballot voting previously, there is no need to apply again. Also, if the desire is to only vote by mail for this particular Special Election, there is a box on the application where this may be indicated. 

Questions may be directed to the Board of Elections at (973) 285-6715 or elections@co.morris.nj.us 

When is the deadline to register to vote for the Special School Election vote on March 14, 2023?

The voting registration deadline, which is February 21, 2023, only applies to a person who has never voted previously in an election. This will enable any Morris Plains resident to vote in the March 14th Special Referendum Election, as well as any future elections.  If you are already a registered Morris Plains voter, no further action is needed in order to vote on March 14th.  

Questions may be directed to the Board of Elections at (973) 285-6715 or elections@co.morris.nj.us 

How can I learn more about the conditions of our schools and this bond Referendum?

To assist you with making an informed decision about the referendum, the Board of Education will be providing information to the community through a Referendum Website (accessible on the district webpage), direct mail, social media, and through District communication. The Board of Education will also be hosting Public Forum sessions and Pre-Board Meeting Walk-Through Tours at Mountain Way School through March 2023.

Has the District considered grants or donations?

Yes.  The District maintains a strong relationship with our school community organizations and local/state colleges and universities to secure grants, donations, and resources.  The District applies for local, state, and federal grants, but falls short in various reporting areas that drive the success of such grants (i.e. diverse demographics, etc.).

Are there programs available for senior citizens to offset the tax increases of a proposed Referendum?  

Yes, you can find information about possible tax reimbursements at the link below. If anyone is on a senior freeze, there will be zero increase in taxes.  Property Tax Reimbursement Eligibility Requirements - http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ptr/eligibility.shtml