As shared in my last newsletter, the Board of Education has reached a budget-neutral agreement with the Holmdel Education Association. Faculty and staff will now be able to perform certain duties during the lunch period, reducing the need for additional compensation or hourly staffing in roles historically used to cover these responsibilities.

Rising healthcare costs continue to place significant pressure on the district’s budget and contribute to a structural gap between revenues and expenses. These challenges reflect broader trends affecting public education across New Jersey and are not unique to our community.

To help residents understand the financial landscape, we have previously shared presentations and informational materials detailing the district’s fiscal history and the external factors shaping our budget, to provide useful context as we work through important budget decisions.

On March 25, the administration will present the “not to exceed” budget to the Board of Education at the public meeting for prospective approval, before submitting it for state review and approval. Over the next several weeks, the board and administration will evaluate key issues, including potential use of healthcare waiver revenue, the potential elimination of courtesy and late busing services, and staffing considerations necessary to align expenditures with revenues.

A second budget newsletter will be distributed this week with additional details. The March 18 Committee of the Whole meeting will feature an in-depth public discussion of the 2026–27 budget. We encourage community members to review all communications, attend meetings when possible, and share questions or feedback. Transparency and public engagement remain essential as we navigate these financial decisions.

Over the past several weeks, the Board of Education’s negotiations committee, district administration, and representatives of the Holmdel Township Education Association engaged in extensive and productive discussions aimed at reaching a new local collective bargaining agreement. These sessions required significant time and collaboration from all sides, reflecting a shared commitment to our educators and the students they serve.

I am pleased to report that those efforts have yielded a memorandum of agreement on a new agreement. This outcome reflects thoughtful compromise and recognizes the value of our faculty and staff while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As part of these negotiations, the Board was able to forgo consideration of outsourcing custodial services, a topic that generated community discussion. Our custodial staff remains an integral part of the district team.

The Holmdel Board of Education approved the agreement at the February 25th public meeting. The agreement will provide stability and clarity moving forward, supporting both our educators and the district’s long-term strategic goals.

I want to acknowledge the dedication of all participants in this process. Negotiations of this magnitude require patience and perseverance, and the hours invested by the Board’s negotiations team, district administration, and the HTEA bargaining team demonstrate a shared commitment to excellence. Agreements such as this are the foundation of strong educational systems and ultimately benefit our students.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to making our schools and community a place of learning and collaboration.

The Balance Project is sponsoring an important and timely opportunity for our school community, and we are pleased to share it with you.

Please join us for a live webinar with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist, former teacher and author whose work focuses on how students learn best in today’s increasingly digital world. Dr. Horvath has testified before Congress on learning and educational technology and is widely recognized for translating brain science into practical, accessible guidance for schools, families, and education leaders.

This session will explore what learning looks like in the modern classroom and how we can continue making thoughtful, informed decisions about balancing traditional instructional methods with technology-based tools. Rather than framing the conversation as “pro-technology” or “anti-technology,” this webinar will offer a research-based discussion centered on attention, memory, student well-being, and how we approach educational choices with intention and care.

We encourage families and staff to consider joining this engaging and informative discussion.

What Brain Science Says About Ed Tech: Live Q&A with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath

March 2, 2026, 8:00pm ET

In celebration of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, students enjoyed Strawberry Chocolate Smoothies during Discovery Kitchen, a delicious blend of strawberries, yogurt, and cocoa that supports heart health while tasting like a treat. We also celebrated the Chinese New Year with a special menu inspired by traditional flavors, allowing students to explore cultural foods while enjoying favorites like dumplings, noodles, and teriyaki chicken. From heart-healthy discoveries to cultural celebrations, our food services program continues to make mealtime both nutritious and meaningful for students.

For the February newsletter, click here.

We’re excited to introduce a new Family Course now available through our partnership with The Social Institute: Navigating an A.I.-Driven World: Helping Our Children Foster a Healthy Relationship with A.I.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a regular part of how students learn, communicate, and create. While A.I. can be a powerful tool, it also brings important questions around responsible use, privacy, digital reputation, and long-term impact.

If you have not already, register for your free account for The Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! Go to the Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school code: 55b5197A69096D

As a reminder, all courses are designed to be self-paced and can be completed on your own schedule.

As your child’s school district, we’re honored to be your partner on this journey. We understand that each household has its own values and approach to technology, and we fully respect that. This programming is not about prescribing rules or parenting strategies. It’s about offering ideas and tools that you can use in whatever way fits your family best.