Mahwah board previews two-question March 10 referendum with new gyms, auditorium upgrades and turf field work
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Summary
District leaders presented architectural renderings and an outreach plan for a two-question bond referendum set for March 10, 2026. Question 1 targets districtwide repairs; Question 2 funds larger additions including new gyms, a media center and turf/lighting at the Ramco Ridge Soccer Field.
The Mahwah Township Public School District on Jan. 7 presented an overview of a proposed two-question bond referendum that will go before voters on March 10, 2026, detailing maintenance needs and larger building additions across the district.
District officials told the board that Question 1 will address districtwide maintenance, repairs and infrastructure needs while Question 2 would fund larger additions and programmatic enhancements, including a proposed new gymnasium at the high school, auditorium upgrades, and turf and field lighting at the Ramco Ridge Soccer Field.
The presentation included preliminary architectural renderings showing the proposed new high school gymnasium located near existing tennis courts, upgrades to the high school auditorium and seating, and interior designs for flexible library and media-center space at elementary schools. Officials said the auditorium rendering shows seating for about 1,000 spectators and a lobby area depicted to hold approximately 900 people; the renderings also note planned training rooms, team rooms and locker rooms adjacent to the new gym.
Board President Dr. Morphy urged voter engagement and described the referendum request in plain terms: "We're asking you as voters, for permission to borrow money, through the sale of bonds to finance large scale improvements in our district," he said, adding that some state aid may offset portions of the cost.
District staff said they plan roughly 20 informational sessions across the community between January and March and called out two town-hall events intended for all Mahwah residents. The district also published a referendum logo and outreach materials to create consistent public information and said materials will be posted on the district referendum webpage ahead of the election.
Specific projects described in the presentation include window replacements, boiler upgrades and exterior repointing at George Washington School under Question 1, and a new gymnasium and related program spaces under Question 2. Renderings for Betsy Ross School show a gymnasium addition, outdoor learning space and a turf field with perimeter fencing and LED lighting as part of the Question 2 scope.
Officials emphasized the outreach plan and invited residents to board presentations at schools in the coming weeks for detailed briefings. The district will host multiple meetings aimed at parents, staff and community groups to answer questions before the March 10 vote.