Projects
Technology. STEM. Safety & Security.
The Mendham Township School District asked the community to imagine the district in the future: What do you think will be most important to delivering the high-quality education we have all come to expect? Residents said they want to see more investment in technology, laboratory and STEM classroom space, and security and safety. The bond referendum is giving the township a path to fund these 21st-century priorities with state aid paying significantly toward the cost.
Bond Projects at a Glance
Mendham Township Elementary School
Renovation of the special education, art, and vocal/performing arts classrooms
Renovation of the multipurpose room (cafeteria), Media Center and nurse’s office
Security upgrades at main entrance
Innovation Labs for STEM learning and technology , and a Wellness Center
Outdoor classroom pavilion
Roof replacement, and new HVAC equipment to improve air quality
Addition of ADA-compliant door access and fire doors for safety
Exterior façade renovations
Replacement/repair of windows, flooring, ceilings, stairs, and other interior areas
Regrading and repaving asphalt at the basketball court
Parking lot paving, and new concrete sidewalks and curbs
Mendham Township Middle School
New Health Center (remodel of an old locker room used for storage space)
Innovation Labs for science experimentation
Renovated Media Center to include state-of-the-art technology
Upgrades to security vestibule
Renovation of technology, art, and vocal/general music classrooms, as well as the nurse’s office
Outdoor classroom pavilion
Roof replacement, exterior façade renovations, and new HVAC equipment to improve air quality
Renovation of restrooms and main office suite, as well as flooring
Addition of ADA-compliant door access
Parking lot and driveway repaving, and new concrete sidewalks and curbs
Learn more about bond referendum Finances.
In More Detail...
Innovation Labs for STEM Learning
Students in Mendham Township are encouraged and inspired to collaborate to solve real-world problems of the 21st century.
Both schools are going to see STEM-oriented, project-based learning Innovation Labs that would provide flexible areas for students to create and build with their hands. The middle school labs will feature the equipment students need to conduct science experiments that prepare them for high school and beyond.
"Rather than asking students to memorize facts, the Innovation Labs would give students the space to think creatively about the world around them and to develop the 21st-century thinking skills that are needed to be successful."
— Dori Smyth, MTES STEM Teacher
Fire Safety and Security Upgrades
Safety and security are top of mind for families in Mendham Township. The bond proposal calls for several upgrades in this area, including the addition of interior fire doors and ADA-compliant door accesses.
Both schools will see improvements to the security vestibules, including the installation of new packager passer/transaction windows and door release/buzzers, and modification of the video/intercom system.
Health and Wellness Centers for Well-Being
The approval of the bond referendum is funding the conversion of an old middle school locker room currently used for storage space into a Health Center with fitness machines for athletic training. The space would allow students to get regular physical activity, which can be a challenge in the digital age.
In the elementary school, a Wellness Center will provide one-stop access to counseling and mentoring outside the classroom environment.
Classroom Renovations to Expand Elementary School Offerings
In the elementary school, bond referendum approval funding is the redesign and renovation of:
Special education classrooms, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, and small group instruction to support new and existing programming.
Art and visual/performing art classrooms with space for collaboration and programming that extends beyond our current capabilities.
Multipurpose room (cafeteria) to improve lunchroom traffic flow and allow for additional student capacity.
Media Center to support new literacy programs and collaborative work on projects.
Vocal and instrumental music space to provide more opportunities for musical groups, choir, band and orchestra, and dance.
State-of-the-Art Technology Classrooms at the Middle School
Renovations include:
Media Center to support the learning process and to provide modern technology for students, including flexible furniture and spaces to encourage independent and cooperative work according to their needs.
Visual art classroom to expand the district’s offerings for multiple media and provide opportunities to create visual and digital presentations.
Vocal/general music classrooms to create a separate space for instrument storage and enhanced technology, such as built-in speakers, charging stations, touchscreens, sound systems, and more.
Replacing Roofs and Parking Lot Upgrade
Our facilities are well-maintained but they are aging and need to be updated. After all, no significant upgrades have been made to student spaces for decades.
The bond referendum provides a path to fund these critical maintenance projects with state aid paying a portion of the cost. Both schools require roof replacements, and the asphalt parking lots need to be repaved to handle bus traffic. Construction will also improve drainage and runoff, and new curbs and concrete sidewalks will match exterior façade renovations.
Questions? Email referendum@mendhamtwp.org