One Year Later: From Vision to Reality in Lawrence Township Schools

On March 11, 2025, the Lawrence Township community made a powerful statement about its commitment to students, schools, and the future by approving a $98 million referendum. One year later, we pause to reflect and remind the public why the referendum was needed, what it is making possible, and where we are headed over the next five plus years.

Why a Referendum?
The referendum was driven by a clear, long-term goal: to better align our schools with our growing student needs, modern educational practices, and New Jersey Department of Education recommendations. Central to this plan is districtwide grade-level restructuring designed to create age-appropriate learning environments and smoother academic transitions for students.

Beginning in the 2029–30 school year, third grade will move to Lawrence Intermediate School, and sixth grade will move to Lawrence Middle School. This shift will transform Lawrence Intermediate School into an upper elementary school serving grades 3–5 and expand Lawrence Middle School into a true middle school model educating grades 6–8. This model supports both academic growth and social-emotional development at critical stages of learning.

What the Referendum Is Funding
The $98 million referendum supports a comprehensive set of construction and renovation projects, including a new classroom wing at Lawrence Middle School, an “all-school” gymnasium specially designed for community use, an expanded cafeteria, a fully renovated auditorium, an outdoor learning courtyard, and a new turf athletic field replacing an aging grass field with poor drainage to safely support an additional grade level in school athletics.

Where We Are Now
Stage One of this work, the full and complete renovation of the Lawrence Middle School auditorium, is already fully underway. This project represents a visible and exciting first step in bringing the referendum plan to life and will result in a modernized space that supports student performances, assemblies, and community events, starting as early as next school year.

What’s Still to Come
Over the next five years, construction, taking place in phases, will continue as the district prepares for the 2029–30 grade-level transition. Each step will be carefully planned to minimize disruption while ensuring our schools are ready to meet the needs of future learners. Lawrence Township Public Schools will continue to hold Community Conversations and Information Sessions to keep the community informed and involved in all referendum projects every step of the way. 

The referendum was a promise to our students today and to generations to come. One year later, that promise is becoming reality, thanks to a community that believes in investing in strong schools and a strong future for Lawrence Township.

Did you know? You can follow along with the Lawrence Middle School auditorium renovation on our website. Each week, a new construction field report is posted with current photos of the project. We invite you to check it out and see the progress for yourself.