What to know about Mendham Township School District’s Jan. 25 bond referendum The Mendham Township School District will ask the community to vote Tuesday, Jan. 25, on $19.9 million of funding for building repairs and renovations, tech-centered instructional spaces, and safety and security upgrades. A voter-approved referendum would let the district access state aid to reduce the local cost of improvements by 37 percent. That state funding stream is only available through an authorized referendum. The new debt amount would be less than debt that is expiring, so taxes would decrease by $97 while the district makes $19.9 million in improvements. (The school debt tax decrease is based on a home assessed at the Township average of $905,519.) [cid:image001.png@01D8021E.A05B44C0] The projects would position the district for continued academic excellence for years to come and maintain Mendham Township’s status as a highly desirable community for families. The community played a role in determining the proposed improvements, starting with a 2018 strategic planning process. A resident survey identified schools as the top factor in the decision to live in Mendham Township. Members of a citizens committee named technology and 21st-century classroom space, security and safety as community priorities. The district’s proposal includes renovations that would provide enhanced opportunities for innovative learning and activities, as well as security upgrades and other critical building repairs. Vote in person or by mail to make your voice heard: ● Polls will be open from 12 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25 for in-person voting. Find your polling district at www.mendhamtwp.org/vote<http://www.mendhamtwp.org/vote> ● Vote By Mail ballots can be deposited in the Morris County Board of Elections drop box at 10 Court St., Morristown ● Residents can still apply to Vote By Mail. Applications<https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-vote-by-mai… must be received by Jan. 18. Residents can learn more about the referendum at upcoming events. A Jan. 6, in-person info fair will give participants the chance to ask questions of the district’s architect, financial advisor, teachers, principals, administrators, and more. A morning and evening session will be held. ● Morning session: Thursday, Jan. 6, 10 - 11:30 a.m., MTES Gym ● Evening session: Thursday, Jan. 6, 6:30 - 8 p.m., MTES Gym For residents who cannot attend the in-person fairs, the district will also host a virtual referendum forum on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. The Q&A-style session will encourage community members to ask live questions or submit them in advance to referendum(a)mendhamtwp.org. Click this link<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82155976018?pwd=bkJCamRkUWp3bFlNMlRtR0tEalJFQT09#success> to join live via Zoom. For more information about the vote on Jan. 25, including project renderings and descriptions, financial details and FAQs, visit www.mendhamtwp.org/vote<http://www.mendhamtwp.org/vote>te>.