Flight Path for Our Future - Bond Referendum

Dear Mahwah Public Schools Community, 

The details are here! The referendum plan has arrived, and while we know that this email is longer than typical, we ask that you take the time to read through and - if needed - re-read it a second time.  

Last evening, the Mahwah Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to hold a two-question bond referendum on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The referendum proposes funding $138.4 million in essential facility improvements that will have a long-term and positive impact on every building across the district.

Voter approval of the referendum would secure over $28 million in a specific type of state aid – which would reduce the local tax impact. It also would ensure upfront funding to complete projects in a shorter timeframe as well as spread payments over time. Most importantly, the projects included in the referendum would maintain and improve the safe and high-quality learning environment our students deserve and our community values. 

Flight Path for Our Future 

Below is an overview of the projects.  Full details about the referendum and projects are posted on the dedicated referendum website: www.mahwah.k12.nj.us/future

Question 1: Critical Infrastructure Improvements and Upgrades Across All Buildings to Maintain Core Operations, Security, and Efficiency

• Upgrade 20+ year old leaky roofing and inefficient HVAC systems 

• Replace aging, end-of-life boilers
• Create a designated space for the 18-21-year-old special needs program to help students build life skills in Building 5 (current locker room and storage space) on the High School campus 

• Replace select windows and doors that are original to the building to enhance security

• Complete exterior brickwork to preserve our beloved buildings

Question 2*: Create Parity Among Elementary Schools, Improve the T-Bird & Community Experience 

• Build new, designated gymnasiums at Betsy Ross and George Washington Elementary Schools to ease crowding, create a safe and functional instructional space and provide more gymnasium space to our community organizations
• Replace media center – which is currently housed in a trailer – and add a music room at Betsy Ross 

• Build new, second gymnasium at the High School – current gymnasium is original 1950s layout that lacks space compared to neighboring districts – with spectator bleachers on both sides, to improve scheduling and access for students and community recreation programs

• Completely renovate the High School auditorium, entrance, and lobby – including the sound system and original 1950s seating
• Install new turf and LED lighting in the High School stadium to replace the current, worn turf and create reliable field space for extracurriculars and community recreation programs

• Upgrade grass fields at the High School and Ramapo Ridge with turf and lighting to create reliable field space for extracurriculars and community recreation programs

These projects were selected to benefit and ensure access for every student, staff member, and community member for decades to come.

Why Now?

For the last eight years, Mahwah Public Schools has been resourceful, using funding from state grants, our annual budget and capital reserve to invest more than $20 million into facility improvements, including the addition of the T3 Building. Our district’s responsible stewardship of tax dollars has kept our building safe, secure and operational, but is not enough to fund major improvements within the state’s annual 2% budget cap. 

An approved referendum would:

• Fund major capital improvements
• Secure $28 million in state aid, reducing tax impact 
• Enhance and ensure safe and secure facilities
• Improve and enhance learning environments to foster student success
• Provide access to Mahwah’s facilities for community members of all ages

An Investment for Our Community 

Proposed improvements would touch all six schools in the district, as well as several support buildings. 

• If Question 1 is approved by voters, residents would see an increase of $26 per month in school debt tax for a home assessed at the Mahwah average of $481,238 and capture $25.6 million in state aid. 
• If Question 2* is approved by voters, residents would see an additional $31 per month in school debt tax for a home assessed at the Mahwah average of $481,238 and capture an additional $3 million in state aid.  

*Question 1 can pass on its own; Question 2 can only pass if Question 1 also passes.   

Learn More, Stay Informed and VOTE:

• For detailed project information, costs, and FAQs, please visit the designated site: www.mahwah.k12.nj.us/future 

• For questions directly related to the referendum, you can email us at: future@mahwah.k12.nj.us 

The Board of Education and Administration are committed to helping you make an educated decision. We will continue to communicate across our communications channels and will soon announce two community forums, during which you can learn more and ask questions about the referendum proposal. 

In the meantime, please mark your calendar for Mahwah’s Bond Referendum on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and join us in deciding the Flight Path for Our District’s Future.