Election 2022: Elizabeth Urbanski, Holmdel Board of Education

HOLMDEL, NJ — Elizabeth Urbanski is one of eight candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Holmdel Board of Education in the Nov. 8 general election.

In these profiles, based on questions provided, the candidates give voters background about themselves and their positions on the issues. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election.

Urbanski is the current school board president and cited her experience on the board and its accomplishments. She said her goals for the district include continuing academic excellence in the district. "I firmly believe that the Holmdel Board of educated should be focused on student success," she says.

Read more from candidate Elizabeth Urbanski:

Name: Elizabeth Urbanski

Residence: Holmdel

Office sought: Re-election to the Holmdel Township Board of Education; current president

Campaign website: www.urbanskiforholmdelboe.net

Education: I graduated from Smith College and have a master's degree from both New York University and Columbia University.

Occupation: I run my own professional art advisory firm, Elizabeth A Urbanski Associates, Inc. from Holmdel.

Why do you want to run for the school board and what in your experience or background prepares you for election?:

Since being sworn in in January 2020, I have been a very active and committed member of the board and have worked to support the many positive changes in the schools.

These include a newly appointed full-time superintendent, a focus on improving rankings, consistency and quality of education, completion of the $40 million dollar referendum, a fiscally responsible flat budget, and a successful navigation through the pandemic with a strong
emphasis on keeping the schools open for the students.

I have had the honor of serving as the head of the Curriculum and Instruction committee and currently serve as the president of the school board.

If re-elected I will continue to work to elevate all aspects of the educational experience for students and families. I am an advocate for citizens, parents and children and remain focused on them and the Holmdel school district. I firmly believe that the Holmdel Board of Education should be focused on student success.

The candidate presented her goals for the district:

The board and district are currently launching a five-year strategic plan, which I personally sponsored. At this critical junction in our district, experience matters and I am the only candidate who can continue to bring this to the table.

Excellence: I have worked to increase the number of students taking AP exams, providing positive outcomes for students and the district which will have a positive impact on our rankings. In the last two years pre-school classes have been grown from two to six. The guidance and special services departments have both been reorganized. Making up for learning loss has been big focal point for me with the district creating a Summer Enrichment program for students in need that are identified through common assessments.

The rise of anxiety and bullying has been another area of my concern and it is directly addressed as one of the district goals for this school year.

Accountability: As the head of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, I have supported
initiatives to focus on data driven decision making in the evaluation of student performance,
the new requirement that teachers prepare lesson plans (which has not been the case
previously), and proper evaluations for teachers and staff.

Fiscal responsibility: Holmdel's schools are facing a dramatic increase in costs in areas such
as transportation, employee healthcare, and the new four-year teachers' contract. I am
committed to doing what is possible to maintain our flat budget since the school district budget impacts all taxpayers, not just those whose children are currently in school.

The candidate discussed her personal background:

My grandfather purchased property in Holmdel in the 1930's as he was attracted to
the unique, rural character of what was then a much smaller town. My children are fourth-generation Holmdel residents and I am a third-generation resident and taxpayer. All of our three children have attended Holmdel Schools and we have had direct experience of the entire
system, from the Village School to the High School.

We reside on our family’s organic tree farm in Holmdel, which is where I grew up and where we are raising our children.

I was previously a trustee of the Monmouth County Historical Association and have taught Art History at Brookdale Community College. I understand the unique history of Holmdel Township and the Holmdel School system which combines both academic excellence, and engaged and educated parents, within a pastoral environment.

Candidates for Holmdel Township Board of Education:

Full Term - Vote for Three

• Deborah Wilson, School Community Advocacy
• Elizabeth Urbanski
• Chris DiMare, Save Holmdel Schools
• Jeff D. Mann, Save Holmdel Schools
• John Buckley, Save Holmdel Schools
• Joanne Lam, Education First
• Alicia Unusan, Education First
• Mathew Weisfeld, Education First