Dear Holmdel Township School Community,

As we close out October, it is hard to believe that we are already nearly a quarter of the way through the 2026–27 school year. It has been an exciting start, marked by outstanding student accomplishments, meaningful learning experiences, and countless examples of the school-community partnership that makes Holmdel special.

Our athletic teams have given us much to celebrate. The High School girls tennis team captured its fifth consecutive Group II State Championship, both varsity soccer teams earned Shore Conference Coaches Cup championships, and our Middle School girls soccer and field hockey teams each completed undefeated fall seasons. These accomplishments reflect not only the talent and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches, but also the character, sportsmanship, and pride they demonstrate as representatives of our schools and community.

We are equally proud of our students' academic achievements. The Class of 2026 included one National Merit Scholarship winner, two semifinalists, and 10 commended students. The Class of 2027 has already earned two semifinalist designations and 18 commendations. From robotics competitions to fundraising initiatives and community events organized by our outstanding parent groups, our students, staff, and families continue to make a difference in so many ways.

Beyond these accomplishments, October has been a reminder that what makes our district special is the combination of achievement, connection, and care for one another. As we look ahead to November and a season of gratitude, I encourage all of us to continue fostering kindness, inclusion, and strong partnerships between home and school.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the weeks ahead.

Rising health care costs are among the most significant financial pressures facing public school districts across NJ. These costs affect not only employee benefits but also district budgets, local taxpayers, and the resources available to support students. Understanding how the state’s health benefits system works and the challenges it faces is important to our community.

How the state program works 🩺

NJ’s School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) provides medical and prescription coverage to eligible employees of participating school districts and county colleges. Participating districts pay premiums, while employees contribute toward coverage based on applicable laws, plan selection, and employment agreements. Not all districts participate in the state program. Some obtain coverage through private insurance carriers or other authorized arrangements, resulting in different premium costs and annual increases.

Why costs are rising 📈

Rising medical expenses, prescription drug costs, and increased use of health care services have contributed to higher premiums. Additionally, some districts with lower claims costs have left the state program to seek more affordable coverage. This can leave a higher-cost pool of participants, placing further pressure on premiums.

Recent developments 📰

In September 2026, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission approved a 34.4% increase in premium rates for active employees for the 2027 plan year. This increase applies to the state program and should not be confused with the percentage individual employees pay or the increase experienced by every district.

In October, Governor Sherrill announced a working group to examine the affordability and sustainability of NJ’s public employee health benefits programs, including issues related to plan design, provider payments, employee contributions, and program governance.

Why this matters for our schools 🎓

Health benefits represent a substantial portion of school district operating expenses. Significant increases can place additional pressure on budgets that support classroom instruction, staffing, student services, technology, transportation, and extracurricular activities. At the same time, competitive benefits are essential to attracting and retaining qualified school employees.

Addressing these challenges requires balancing sustainable costs with meaningful employee benefits while ensuring responsible use of public resources.

We will monitor developments and evaluate their implications for district finances. For additional information, community members can consult the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits and the New Jersey School Boards Association, which provide resources on health benefits, rates, and the challenges facing public education.

The Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence (HFEE) continues to make a meaningful difference in our schools. Following its 30th anniversary last year, HFEE is introducing Battle of the Gift, a new initiative that will provide up to $100,000 to support innovative ideas that enrich learning for Holmdel students.

Borrowing its name from HFEE’s popular Battle of the Faculties event, which returns this year, Battle of the Gift invites district teachers and staff to propose creative projects, new technologies, classroom enhancements, and unique learning experiences that go beyond the regular school budget. Award recipients will be announced during the week of April 5, 2027.

We are grateful to HFEE for its longstanding partnership and continued investment in our students. To learn more about the foundation’s mission and how you can support its work, visit www.hfee.org.

Parenting brings both rewarding moments and everyday challenges. Explore these resources from Peace at Home Parenting for practical tips, expert guidance, and strategies to support your child’s well-being, navigate screen time, and manage common challenges from kindergarten through high school.

Residents are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Holmdel Heritage Day! We will celebrate Holmdel’s cultural diversity at this fun-filled event through free food samples, crafts, demonstrations, games, and performances.

Location: Holmdel High School

Admission fee: Free to Holmdel residents. Non-Holmdel residents must be

accompanied by a Holmdel resident. Donations to support the Holmdel Heritage Day at

the door are much appreciated.

If you have any questions or want to be a sponsor, donor, or volunteer helper at the

event, please contact: 

Or, fill in the form:

Volunteer signups: https://forms.gle/upyzuEdzG8R1Kxk79

Donations & Participation: https://forms.gle/SNpBVD42dPJMkphG6

We look forward to seeing you at the event and celebrating our heritage together!

Members of the Holmdel Heritage Committee:

Chiung-yin Cheng Liu, Chair

Gary Vanderham, Township Committee Liaison

Terry Duchi

Shmaya Galperin

Inna Kovalerchik

Antonietta Picascia