The Alternative Press

MILLBURN, NJ  -  As school budget season hits its stride, Superintendent James Crisfield took a moment to sit down with us and discuss priorities, not just for this school year, but for the future.

Millburn’s education budget “has a huge gap to fill, much like we did two years ago,” Crisfield said.  Costs are rising more than revenues at this time, which will make for some difficult decision-making.  When asked about his top priorities, Crisfield responded, “Having a great teacher in every classroom.  Maintaining the standard of excellence that the community expects.  And assuring that our kids grow up to be good people.” 

The recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, has accelerated a review of system-wide school security.  Some changes have already been made, Crisfield noted.  For example, the monitoring of the main entrance of the High School is now performed by one of the school’s two full-time security officers rather than the teacher on hall duty.  Additionally, the door used as the main entrance to the Middle School is planned to revert back to the original main entrance on the street side of the building.  Despite being less convenient to the parking lot, it will be more secure.  Crisfield said, “We have always paid attention to security, but we can always look for ways to do better.”  He would also like to place a full-time security officer in the Middle School, but will have to find funds in a budget that is already stretched to do so.