Message from the BOE
Message from the BOE
![Thunderbird Think Tank image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749567566/mahwahk12njus/fxx2sujwdatgqxuwzsok/IMG_2339.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749567566/mahwahk12njus/fxx2sujwdatgqxuwzsok/IMG_2339.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749567566/mahwahk12njus/fxx2sujwdatgqxuwzsok/IMG_2339.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749567566/mahwahk12njus/fxx2sujwdatgqxuwzsok/IMG_2339.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749567566/mahwahk12njus/fxx2sujwdatgqxuwzsok/IMG_2339.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749567566/mahwahk12njus/fxx2sujwdatgqxuwzsok/IMG_2339.jpg","width":2200}])
Consistent with the 2020-25 Strategic Plan, the board and administration have proactively invested in critical building systems to maintain their functionality and safety before they exceed their useful lives. These projects were largely paid for due to fiscal responsibility and efficiencies that were found in the budgeting process
With careful planning, the district invested more than $16 million over the past few years on important maintenance needs and improvements:
- Rehabilitated roofing and replaced single pane windows.
- Replaced HVAC systems.
- Built the Thunderbird Think Tank at MHS and the Innovation Lab at Joyce Kilmer School to encourage and support STEAM learning.
As part of its ongoing review of the long-term capital needs of the district, the administration and board engaged LAN Associates to evaluate the condition and remaining life of every system in every building in the district.
Based on a 2024 study, costs to replace or rehab major building systems have nearly doubled since the 2019 evaluation. At the same time, the district’s ability to make these investments is decreasing as costs for health insurance, utilities, transportation and out-of-district educational services are increasing faster than the state’s 2% cap on increased property tax revenue.
The diminishing ability of the district to proactively maintain the functionality and safety of our facilities using only surplus operating funds requires the board and administration to consider funding alternatives. We have used federal and state grants to the fullest extent possible.
We are now considering a bond referendum. The district’s last referendum was in the early 2000s to build Lenape Meadows and expand RR and MHS; those bonds were paid off in 2023. One important benefit of a bond referendum is the state will pay for about 1/3 of the cost of certain projects.
Preliminary plans include not only maintaining infrastructure, but also upgrades to our educational, athletic, and performing arts spaces. Many are used by students and the community.
An early step toward a referendum is authorization to submit preliminary plans to the state Department of Education for review and to obtain the state’s commitment to provide reimbursement. The Board will consider that at its June 11 meeting.
We are committed to informing and engaging the community throughout this process toward a vote by the public in 2026. We will not have much to report until plans take shape and obtain state approval, and we are developing information resources with the goal of reaching all members of the community as we advance this process.
Prema Morthy, Ph.D., BOE President
Michael Galow, Finance & Facilities Committee Chair