03/26/2026
Well stated by Christian DiMare
Holmdel BOE approves a tentative 6.9% school tax increase, the largest percentage hike in more than 2 decades, which likely eliminates courtesy busing and impacts up to 26 staff positions. Last night’s BOE budget meeting highlighted the serious financial challenges facing Holmdel Schools. While serving on the Holmdel BOE and seeing the district’s financial pressures firsthand, I worked to help negotiate a fair labor agreement for all stakeholders. Labor agreements account for roughly 80% of the district’s budget, which makes these negotiations critical to balancing the needs of educators and students with what taxpayers can afford. Negotiations extended into this year, and the final agreement appears to continue the structural imbalances, something now reflected in the district’s budget and the financial pressures being placed on taxpayers. It was notable that no meaningful solutions were presented, particularly from board members who campaigned on financial expertise and the ability to address the district’s deficit day 1. The BOE ultimately voted to raise taxes to the maximum level allowed, approximately 6.9% (+21.4% total in last 4 yrs) What stood out was the comment that there were “no levers to pull.” Earlier this year there were opportunities to address structural imbalances within the budget, but those opportunities were not pursued. There were also comments questioning why the Township had not done more. In reality, the Township Committee ($30M+ budget) does not manage the BOE budget ($75M+). While the Township has provided financial support, responsibility for the district’s finances rests with the BOE. A suggestion raised last night that I support is moving forward allowing the community to vote directly on the school budget, giving taxpayers a clearer voice in what they are willing to fund. At this point, with a new labor contract now in place for the next 2.5 years, there is very little flexibility remaining in the budget. That means the remaining options to address future deficits, outside of asking the community for more money, will likely involve staff reductions, program cuts, or reductions in services, decisions that negatively affect our students. Holmdel has one of the strongest school systems in the state. The challenge now is ensuring it remains both excellent and financially sustainable for the long term.
