The New Year will be a big one for the Morris School District.
For the first time in nearly a half century, it will seek a bond referendum.
“We are breaking the 50-year trend,” Superintendent Anne Mucci said in an end-of-the-year update to the community. The regional district long has prided itself on operating debt-free; now it anticipates a “substantial” bond ask.
“This investment is necessary, as these large-scale infrastructure projects cannot be funded solely through the annual operating budget. The district has applied to the state for funding. Once the details regarding the provided funding are known, an official bond amount will be set,” the statement continues.
Priorities will include HVAC upgrades and roof replacements, modernizing learning
spaces, replacing the Olympic-size swimming pool at Morristown High School, and updating auditoriums at the high school and Frelinghuysen Middle School. Meanwhile, roof work is ongoing at MHS and asbestos is being removed from Hillcrest Elementary.
Other year-in-review items spotlighted in the update:
- A revamped website, due next month, to improve transparency and communication with the community. District information policies drew sharp criticism in the spring over slow notifications about a gun brought to school by a former student.
- The rollout of a K-2 literacy program and the launch of a math pilot program for grades 3-5 that uses the same platform used by the middle school, for greater continuity.
- An increased emphasis on integrating students who are learning English into regular classrooms, to “foster inclusivity” and allow them “to learn the English language without missing out on critical subject matter.”
- Full funding of Advanced Placement exams, and with it, a requirement for full participation by students.
- Partnerships with NJIT, Kean University and the County College of Morris; the “Morristown College Promise” will offer graduating students free tuition to CCM to pursue
associate degrees. - STEM internships with Sanofi, which opened its flagship Morristown office this year.
A SNAP benefit relief program, and therapy dog visits in schools.
At Monday’s final meeting of 2025, the board also said so long to members Susan Pedalino and Cary Lloyd.
Pedalino, from Morris Township, is stepping down after two terms, during which she chaired the curriculum committee and worked on the human resources and finance committees. Lloyd, Morristown’s former zoning board chair, served on the finance, governance, and policy committees during his three-year term. He also established a scholarship for Morristown High School wrestlers.
Re-elected board member Melissa Spiotta (Morris Township) and newcomers Diana Agu (Morris Township) and Sieglinde Pylypchuk (Morristown) will be sworn in at the Jan. 5, 2026, reorganization.
The K-12 Morris School District serves students from Morristown and Morris Township, and Morris Plains youths attend the high school.
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