Residents urge board to preserve community theater as policy language raises fee questions

Residents and program leaders urged the Millstone Township School District board to preserve local access to the district performance space and to clarify a proposed facility-use policy they fear will reclassify community groups and lead to fees.

"We're taxpayers — we shouldn't have to pay twice," said Chris Morris, who introduced himself as a resident, deputy mayor and liaison for the township. Morris asked the board to schedule a follow-up meeting so the Recreation Commission, the business office and district staff can resolve what costs, if any, community programs would be expected to cover.

Lisa Marie Capuzzo, a teacher and founder of Stage Coach Productions, described the July production as “incredible,” citing alumni volunteers, community fundraising and out-of-town attendees, and said the policy draft’s wording around the facility’s classification is “very vague.” Jody Knox, a parent volunteer, emphasized that insurance had not been an issue for prior productions and asked for clearer job descriptions and classifications so the program can remain in Millstone.

Board members acknowledged the concerns but said the policy is intended to address district budget realities, not to block community use. "We're not looking to charge the community anything for routine uses," said a board member during discussion, "but if the district incurs extended custodial, lighting or cleanup expenses that are not in the budget, those costs have to be covered." Board members suggested modest fee ideas as examples — one referenced a $20 fee mentioned by commenters and another suggested a potential $25 charge to cover extended costs — and emphasized those would be targeted at out-of-budget expenses rather than routine school uses.

Several board members recommended approving the policy for a first reading while scheduling a meeting with the Recreation Commission and the business office before the second reading to clarify classification, limits and expense-sharing. "If they schedule a meeting with the business office and present what they want to do, the expenses can be looked at," a board member said. The board approved the policy's first reading and agreed to hold the community follow-up prior to the second reading.

Stage Coach leaders warned that limiting access could push programs to neighboring districts; a rec official told the board that Allentown High School might offer theater space if local options close, a prospect several speakers said would be a loss for Millstone students and alumni.

Next steps: the board approved the policy for first reading and committed to a follow-up meeting with the Recreation Commission and business office; the item will return for a second reading after that consultation.