Referendum - Montville Township Public Schools

TIMELINE - Steps to a Referendum

The Board of Education took diligent, well researched steps toward a bond referendum because of over-capacity enrollment, needed security initiatives and aging heating and cooling units.

Key to this process were the facts that:

  • Our elementary schools are already above capacity, and more students are expected because of natural population growth. Additionally, new housing developments will also impact an already growing enrollment.

  • Regardless of enrollment numbers, today’s education also requires more small-group instruction and added flexibility for large, multi-purpose rooms.

  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in some of our schools have reached the point of repair risk and energy inefficiency, with some of them older than 50 years.

  • Security upgrades could be made quickly with upfront funding from bonds.

  • And importantly: Voter approval would unlock New Jersey funds to help offset the local costs. All taxpayers pay into this is state funding, but the funding only returns to the community through a voter-approved bond referendum.

This timeline recounts the steps toward the bond referendum that will put the next decision in the hands of Montville Township voters on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Increased Enrollment, Security Updates, and Aging HVAC Systems

Building Needs for Montville Township Public Schools Proposed Referendum vote: Upgrade to HVAC Systems, Improve Security, Classrooms and multi-use rooms

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in some of our schools have reached the point of repair risk and energy inefficiency, with some of them older than 50 years. Replacing them through bond funding is a way to capture state aid that is only available with voter approval. Other proposed improvements include repairs to ceilings, walls and lighting. 

SECURITY

Security is always a focus, and additional upgrades could be made more quickly with upfront funding from bonds. These include security vestibules. In those, a visitor will be screened to verify identity and confirm the purpose of the visit, and then admitted to the school. This referendum proposes bond funding to build these at five schools; general operating fund are already being used to build them at Lazar Middle School and Cedar Hill Elementary School.

SPACE

Our elementary schools need space now. We are already above capacity, and more students are expected because of natural population growth. Additionally, new housing developments will also impact an already growing enrollment.

Regardless of enrollment numbers, today’s education also requires more small-group instruction and added flexibility for large, multi-purpose rooms.

A Turning Point

Projected Enrollment (PK-5). New student rate is up 30% to an average of 9 students per month Since the 2021-2022 school year. (Montville Township Public Schools logo). Graph showing 1,496 as the current capacity for all 5 elementary school. Current population for 2022-2023 is over 1600. Current housing increases in students will rise to 1,600 for 2023-2024. Additionally new or planned housing will bring student population to nearly 1,700.school year. By 2027-2028, it is projected that the elementary population will be 1,900, or +410 over the current capacity of the district's five elementary schools.

Montville Township Pubilc Schools are highly regarded. Due to increased birth rates, and an influx of young families who have moved into existing homes in the community, elementary enrollment in all five of the township's elementary schools has increased beyond capacity. Additionally, enrollment is projected to further increase when new housing across the community is completed.

  • Montville Township Public Schools are places that educate, inspire, and empower every day.

  • Now, we face a turning point as enrollment continues to increase and our buildings require attention to meet the current and future needs of our students and community.

  • Through diligent research, the Board of Education identified our schools’ most critical needs and determined a referendum was the best way to address those needs. 

  • MTPS worked with staff and expert consultants to develop a proposal that maximizes the opportunity for state aid and minimizes the impact on local taxes.

Timeline

Phase 1 - Explored needs as enrollment continued to increase and buildings required attention - 2022-2023

Explored needs as enrollment continued to increase and buildings required attention

MTPS enrollment rose to the point that in 2022-23, our elementary schools served more than 100 students beyond capacity. That rise is forecasted to continue based on natural population growth within Montville Township’s existing housing supply. If planned housing developments are added into the equation, that forecast intensifies the need for more space.

Projections through 2027 are estimated to push our elementary schools by about 400 students over capacity. A professional enrollment projection was presented to the Board of Education on January 17, 2023. That led to a second report titled Enrollment Projection Analysis and Possible Solutions, which was presented February 7, 2023. It uses the term "unhoused students” to describe schools for which the square footage available for instruction does not meet the recommendations of the state Department of Education.

Phase 2 - Diligent research led to a proposal to leverage state aid- Spring 2023

Diligent research led to a proposal to leverage state aid

Through diligent research, the Board of Education identified our schools’ most critical needs and agreed to consider a bond referendum to address them. MTPS worked with staff and expert consultants to develop a bond proposal that maximizes the opportunity for state aid and minimizes the impact on local taxes. This information was presented at the Board of Education meeting April 25, 2023, to consider options.

This research looked at needs beyond classroom space – such as school security and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. In secure entrance vestibules – like the kind that were built with regular operating funds at Lazar Middle School and Cedar Hill Elementary – a visitor will be screened to verify identity and confirm the purpose of the visit, and then admitted to the school. The emerging plan also targeted buildings where HVAC systems are old to the point of repair risk and energy inefficiency.

Details changed slightly after these presentations as the proposal was refined, and changes in the deadlines for elections pushed the referendum date to Dec. 12, 2023.

Phase 3 - Community engagement has already started and will increase - Mid 2023

Community engagement has already started and will increase

As the Board continued discussions about the best way to meet the needs facing MTPS, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Gorman began speaking to community members so they would understand the background and plan as it evolved. Those presentations, similar to this one shared with the Board of Education on May 9, 2023, shared information about what brought MTPS to this turning point and what projects were proposed as solutions. Details changed slightly as the proposal was refined.

The district committed to offering further learning opportunities closer to the date anticipated for the referendum. It planned for additional presentations to school and community groups, a comprehensive website, an informative video, social media announcements and a public forum offered in webinar style for flexible viewing during and after. That forum has been scheduled for Nov. 29.

Phase 4 - A vote by the public is anticipated on Dec. 12, 2023

A vote by the public will be held on Dec. 12, 2023

The bond referendum will place an important decision in the hands of voters. On Aug. 22, the Board finalized all details of the ballot, including projected impact on local property taxes, and the Capital Reserve and committed state aid that will offset that. The ballot will include two questions to place important decisions in the hands of voters.

Registered voters in Montville Township will be able to vote in person or by mail in this special election.

Phase 5 - Construction timeline calls for space solutions by the end of 2025: 2024 - 2026

Construction timeline calls for space solutions by the end of 2025

If voters approve the proposal, MTPS would put into action an expansion and improvement plan that sets projects to be completed between 2024 and 2026. Building space is a two-year timeline at a minimum, which puts the district on track for solving space needs and other proposed projects in 2025. All projects are estimated to be completed by the end of 2026. The tax rate for school debt would increase in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

More Information

Click on the buttons below to learn more about the December 12 bond referendum.

Overview
Proposed Projects
Funding
FAQs
Vote
Referendum Forum: Virtual Nov. 29. 7PM
Flyers

Questions?

If you have questions, please see the Referendum FAQs section of the website. You are also encouraged to email referendum@montville.net if you have additional questions. Thank you.

referendum@montville.net