Morris School District Seeks Voter Approval for Major Upgrades

Proposed projects include infrastructure improvements, expanded spaces, and educational enhancements across 10 schools

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:04pm

The Morris School District in New Jersey has announced plans for a bond referendum to fund a slate of major infrastructure and curriculum upgrades across its 10 schools. The proposed projects, which include new windows, roofing, HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, and renovations to cafeterias, auditoriums, and science labs, will be submitted for state review to determine eligibility for aid. Taxpayers in Morristown and Morris Township will ultimately decide whether the district can move forward with the upgrades.

Why it matters

The referendum represents a critical juncture for the Morris School District, which has not sought a bond measure in 30 years. The proposed projects aim to enhance learning environments, support modern educational needs, and address aging infrastructure across the district's facilities. Passage of the referendum would enable the district to make significant improvements, while failure could leave schools struggling with outdated equipment and limited resources.

The details

The proposed projects have been divided into four categories: infrastructure improvements, expanded spaces, educational enhancements, and pool replacement. Infrastructure upgrades include new windows, roofing, HVAC systems, electrical work, and bathroom modernizations. Expanded spaces would address overcrowding at several schools, including adding classrooms at Frelinghuysen Middle School and Sussex Avenue School. Educational enhancements focus on improving facilities for STEM learning, auditoriums, and media centers. The district also plans to replace the aging pool at Morristown High School, which serves as a community resource.

  • The Morris School District announced the referendum plans on March 9, 2026.
  • The state review process to determine eligibility for aid is expected to be complete by the end of the summer of 2026.
  • Residents will vote on the referendum in the fall of 2026.

The players

Dr. Anne Mucci

Superintendent of the Morris School District.

Governor Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey, whose recently proposed state budget calls for a slight reduction in state aid to the Morris School District.

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What they’re saying

“Morris School District was built on the mission of creating greater opportunities for all students. This referendum would enhance learning environments in all schools throughout the district.”

— Dr. Anne Mucci, Superintendent

What’s next

The proposed projects will be submitted for review by the New Jersey Department of Education, which will determine state aid eligibility and the estimated impacts to taxpayers. This process is expected to be complete by the end of the summer of 2026, at which point residents of Morristown and Morris Township will vote on the referendum in the fall.

The takeaway

The Morris School District's referendum represents a significant investment in the future of its schools and the broader community. If approved, the upgrades would modernize facilities, enhance educational opportunities, and address long-standing infrastructure needs. However, the outcome remains in the hands of local taxpayers, who must weigh the benefits against the potential financial impact.