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.
At the Jan. 7 meeting the board swore in Stephen Houston, Christopher Hughes and Dr. Morphy; Dr. Morphy was elected board president, Richard De Silva first vice president and Ben Kismarski second vice president. The board approved appointments, a 10-point code of ethics and consent items.
A public commenter urged the district to recognize cultural holidays that affect student attendance; board members said they value inclusion but noted scheduling limits (180-day school year) and committed to staff education and consideration for future calendars.
Board members outlined the scope of a special school district referendum covering renovations at Mahwah High School and other district facilities, announced a January–March information campaign, and said auditors reported a clean audit with one corrected payroll finding.
Superintendent Dr. Detore presented conceptual referendum renderings showing gymnasium additions, modernized auditorium lobbies, upgraded HVAC and synthetic‑turf athletic fields; presenters said designs are preliminary and will be refined as the district seeks state approvals and public feedback.
Selena Wong, a junior and League of Women Voters participant, told the board a new high‑school policy requiring all written English assignments to be completed in class would hinder students' development of long‑form writing skills; board members asked her to discuss concerns with teachers and administrators and said staff will follow up.
District officials said they are studying whether Building 5 can be converted into an 18–21 program for students with disabilities and whether proposed changes would qualify the work for an estimated 34% state reimbursement of infrastructure costs.
Parents told the Mahwah Board of Education that repeated physical aggression and abusive language at Lenape Elementary—especially during recess—has gone insufficiently addressed; district leaders said incidents received consequences, described ongoing supervision and counseling steps, and promised follow-up.
Mahwah Township Public School District officials presented 2025 assessment results on Oct. 29 showing strong elementary gains — a 12‑point jump in fifth‑grade science and high third‑grade math performance — alongside mixed middle‑school results that the district says will prompt curriculum reviews and continued intervention work.
The Mahwah Township Board of Education recessed to executive session, reconvened, and approved minutes and the consent agenda (items 18a and 19a–x). Two board members abstained on minutes; one abstained on checks listed in item 18a and another abstained on the SRO shared-service item (18z). Several routine business items were added and approved.