Holmdel Board of Education 2026: LoPresti, Libecci & Hayden

We are running together because we share the same fundamental commitment: protecting what matters — our students, our schools and our taxpayers.

Alison and Anthony bring three years of Board experience, institutional knowledge and established relationships throughout our schools and community. Peter Hayden brings a fresh perspective, professional experience and a willingness to ask questions and do the work.

The next three years will require more than good intentions. They will require people who understand the challenges, know the numbers, ask difficult questions and are prepared to make responsible decisions from day one. Also, we will continue being transparent and direct with everyone in the community about the decisions ahead.

Our record is one of academic progress, greater transparency and responsible leadership.

Our schools and students continue to earn recognition. AP participation and performance have grown, dual-enrollment opportunities have expanded, and students have greater access to STEAM, computer science, robotics and other rigorous academic opportunities. Indian Hill earned National Blue Ribbon recognition, and our schools have received additional state and national recognition.

We've also strengthened communication and transparency, negotiated major employee contracts, worked collaboratively with the Township to secure significant financial support for our schools, and confronted difficult financial realities rather than ignoring them.

Alison led an effort to compile 15 years of district data, helping identify trends and explain what drives them. As Communications Chair, Anthony championed greater transparency and clearer public communication.

We are proud of the progress we've made — and we know there is more work to do.

Our greatest challenge will be maintaining the educational quality our community expects while confronting significant financial pressures.

Rising salaries, benefits, transportation and other costs — combined with limited state aid and statutory limits on revenue — mean difficult choices lie ahead.

We won't pretend there is a magic solution. Every decision has consequences, whether for programs, staffing, services or taxpayers.

The community deserves leaders who understand those tradeoffs, will communicate them honestly and will make decisions based on facts, data and what best protects Holmdel's long-term future.

A school budget is not something that can simply be “fixed” on Day One. New Jersey school districts operate within a complex system of state funding, mandated costs, contractual obligations, enrollment needs, statutory tax limits and expenses that can change dramatically from year to year.

Responsible financial leadership starts with understanding those realities. It means studying long-term trends, questioning expenditures, identifying efficiencies, evaluating staffing and programs, advocating for funding reform and being honest about the tradeoffs involved.

Anyone can promise an easy solution. Leadership means understanding the numbers well enough to know when one doesn't exist. Leadership also requires honesty and forthrightness with all stakeholders.

Our priority is to protect the educational experience that makes Holmdel schools exceptional while respecting the taxpayers who fund it.

We believe taxpayers cannot continue to be the backstop for every rising cost. But we also cannot lose sight of what makes our schools exceptional.

That means examining spending, staffing and operations carefully, pursuing efficiencies wherever possible, and protecting the programs and opportunities that deliver meaningful value for students.

There will be tradeoffs. Our responsibility is to make those decisions strategically — balancing educational excellence with long-term financial sustainability.

Academic excellence isn't just about maintaining what has always worked. It is also about preparing students for what comes next.

We want Holmdel to continue strengthening rigorous academics while expanding opportunities in STEAM, artificial intelligence, computer science, robotics, dual enrollment and other future-ready learning experiences.

Technology and the workplace are changing rapidly. Our students should leave Holmdel not only prepared for college or a career, but equipped to think critically, communicate effectively, solve complex problems and adapt to a changing world. We should prepare our students not simply for today's opportunities, but for tomorrow's.

Transparency means more than saying the word during an election. It means giving the community the facts, explaining the reasoning behind difficult decisions, and being willing to have honest conversations even when the answers aren't easy.

Accountability means putting students and the district ahead of politics or personal agendas. And parental partnership means recognizing that parents and guardians are essential partners in their children's education — they should be informed, heard and meaningfully involved in significant decisions affecting their children.

This is how Alison and Anthony have approached their first term on the Board — with transparency, accountability and a commitment to keeping parents and the community informed. If re-elected, they will continue to lead this way for another three years, alongside Peter, who shares that same commitment.

Ask whether the promise is actually within the Board's control. Ask what it costs. Ask how it will be paid for. Ask what would have to change to make it happen. And ask whether the candidate understands the laws, contracts, funding restrictions and financial realities governing New Jersey public schools.

Campaign promises are easy. Governing is harder.

Holmdel needs Board members who will deal in facts, understand the consequences of their decisions and be honest with the community about what is — and isn't — possible.