Frequently Asked Questions

The annual budget must be used for regular operating expenses such as salaries, healthcare utilities and academic programs. There’s not much room left in the budget for building projects, particularly given the rapidly rising costs for healthcare and other essentials. The budget is largely funded by local tax dollars.  

When voters approve a bond referendum, a school district borrows funds upfront to cover building needs and repays the amount over time, similar to a home equity loan. The state provides debt service aid toward the payments, which reduces taxpayers’ share of the costs.
 

Community members participated in Morris School District’s strategic planning process that resulted in identifying several key goals. Improving our buildings to enhance learning environments emerged as one of the priorities. 

The district worked with professional advisors to thoroughly assess the buildings and consider changes that would meet the needs of students and the community.  

Community members contributed additional input on potential projects through a survey and focus groups held in fall 2025. The project list will be finalized following the state’s review of the proposed improvements. 
 

The district has addressed capital improvements over time through responsible fiscal management. However, our aging buildings and infrastructure need more extensive attention after decades of normal wear. 

For example, roofing is beyond its expected lifespan and some HVAC systems still run on steam, which is less efficient than hot-water heat. Those steam pipes are leaking and can only be removed by jackhammering the floor.  

It has been nearly 30 years since the district held a bond referendum to make major building improvements. The current proposal is a comprehensive approach to address building needs while expanding opportunities for learning and activities.  
 

Details on proposed improvements are submitted to the NJ Department of Education for a review process that determines each project’s eligibility for state aid. Once that process is complete – likely by early summer – the district will be able to communicate the amount of state aid and the estimated tax impact. Bond funding includes a type of state aid that offsets the local cost and is not available through the regular operating budget.  

If the bond referendum fails, the district will lack the funding to address all the time-sensitive building issues and enhance learning environments. It would be a challenge to fit any projects into the annual budget that funds regular operating costs, including healthcare, salaries and academic programs.  

If any improvements are included in the annual budget, they will not be eligible for the state aid that comes with an approved bond referendum. Also, the risk for costly breakdowns will increase as old roofing and HVAC systems continue to age.