By Anthony V. Coppola, Staff Writer
MILLSTONE The Millstone Township School District is in the midst of a budget freeze due to dwindling surplus, according to Superintendent Mary Anne Donahue.
Dr. Donahue said the school district strives for $500,000 to $600,000 in surplus, but fell well short at the completion of last school year with only $160,000.
”It hasn’t had a terrible impact on operations,” Dr. Donahue said, noting the freeze is a precautionary measure. “Basically we are looking to manage the budget in a more stringent fashion.”
Millstone Township Board of Education President Mary Ann Friedman said several factors, including unanticipated tuition costs for out-of-district special needs students and higher-than-projected energy costs, contributed to the problem. Last year, the district was tapped for an estimated $200,000 when it was determined four new special-needs students needed to be educated outside the district, according to Dr. Donahue.
”If we get two or three additional special-needs students that require out-of-district placement, the surplus would be in serious trouble,” Dr. Donahue said.
In an effort to build savings, Dr. Donahue said the purchasing of any item outside the budget would not be granted without the approval of both herself and Business Administrator David Winter. Prior to the freeze, Mr. Winter had the ability to approve any purchase passing through his department.
Dr. Donahue said although there are interruptions, the educational experience will not be compromised by the freeze.
One example Dr. Donahue specified as a minor setback relates to the guided reading program. Some classes have been forced to simply rearrange individual desks to create a similar environment. Dr. Donahue said the teachers are making do.
According to Dr. Donahue, 85 percent of the budget consists of fixed costs such as energy bills, payroll and benefits. The other 15 percent, or daily cash flow, is the small portion of the budget the district has control over.

