Election 2023: Alison LoPresti, Holmdel Board of Education

HOLMDEL, NJ — Alison LoPresti is one of four candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Holmdel Board of Education in the Nov. 7 election.

LoPresti is running as a team with two other candidates, Anthony Libecci and Reham Taha.

Current Board of Education President Peter Reddy is also a candidate, seeking re-election to the board.

Two other current board members whose terms expire this year but are not seeking re-election are Eileen Briamonte and Linda Zhang.

LoPresti says she is focused on the future and how the district can prepare students for an "ever-changing world." She says she would promote innovative programs that bridge the gap between academics and real-world readiness.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them.

Read more from Alison LoPresti:

Background:
Candidates were asked to provide their professional or volunteer information, school board experience, campaign links, and personal background.

• Name: Alison LoPresti, Ladwood Drive, Holmdel
• Married to Lenny LoPresti; two children, ages 9 and 8, both in Holmdel schools; two stepchildren, ages 24 and 22.
• Position sought: Holmdel Board of Education member
• Social media sites: Instagram: lopresti_libecci_taha_holmdel; Facebook: LoPresti-Libecci-Taha Holmdel BOE
• Bracket: Alison LoPresti, Anthony Libecci, Reham Taha, Parental Rights & Educational Excellence

I'm a native Washingtonian who moved to Brooklyn, then to Holmdel in 2010. After graduating with honors from West Virginia University, I spent time as a budget analyst at Lockheed Martin where I was tasked with providing cost analysis, budgeting and forecasting for a multi-billion dollar contract with the Federal Aviation Administration. Subsequently, I transitioned to the financial services industry, specifically in regulatory and compliance management, where I have been for 20+ years.

In both my personal and professional lives, I've demonstrated characteristics essential for a successful board member. I've been active within the community, from coaching various HYAA sports teams to my role as Village School's PSA Treasurer to being class mom.

I am a results-oriented and trustworthy leader who, if elected, will do whatever I can to ensure the district is the best it can be. I will do this by partnering with the community to develop plans that reflect local values and needs. Over the years, I've learned a lot about what we're doing well but also about some of the challenges we face.

I am running for the Board of Education because I want to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much over the past 13 years.

Top issues:

Candidates were asked about the important issues in their district, and how the school board can address them.

I am focused on the future and doing what we can to ensure the district provides a high-quality and well-rounded education and that students are given the tools to reach their full potential.

Our kids must be equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to excel in our ever-changing world. I’ll promote innovative programs that bridge the gap between academics and real-world readiness.

Parental collaboration is also paramount to me. I support parents' rights to make decisions for their children. Additionally, I will focus on transparency, a review of curriculum, push for smaller class sizes, ensure our kids receive age-appropriate instruction and make sure we are fiscally responsible.

Teamwork and a shared commitment to education are essential for achieving positive outcomes. I hope I have the privilege of becoming part of a team that builds upon the strong educational foundation that exists here in Holmdel. Together, we’ll light the way to a brighter future for Holmdel’s children.

Policy 5756:

Candidates were asked if they wanted to comment on state Policy 5756, which provides guidance regarding transgender students, including communication with parents. Some districts in the state are repealing or amending the policy. (Holmdel's school board is expected to confirm repeal of the policy at its regular meeting Oct. 25.)

I applaud the current board for being proactive and voting on Policy 5756. Per Holmdel's bylaws, the board must vote again to confirm the recission of the policy; however, I am hopeful the result stands. I have been steadfast in my belief that this policy has no place in our district and should be rescinded.

I am also supportive of the board's initiative to create a policy that more accurately reflects our district's current practices and one that reiterates Holmdel's commitment to ensuring all students feel safe, comfortable and respected.

Holmdel, like many other districts in New Jersey, was misled about this policy. I believe that Straus Esmay, a third-party policy writing service, intentionally misled New Jersey school districts into believing this policy was mandatory when it was, in fact, guidance. As a result of their misclassification, the policy was adopted.

My opposition to Policy 5756 is primarily due to the following excerpt: "there is no affirmative duty for any school district staff member to notify a student's parent of the student's gender identity or expression,"

Under no circumstances should school administration or staff be given the option to keep critical and life-changing information from parents. Not to mention, this puts undue burdens on administration and staff and exposes the district to potential legal issues.

Candidates for Holmdel Board of Education: (Full term; vote for three)

• Peter Reddy
• Alison LoPresti: Parental Rights & Education
• Anthony Libecci: Parental Rights & Education
• Reham Taha: Parental Rights & Education

Note: Candidates who have not received their request for profile information from Patch should check their spam folders or can contact Pat McDaniel at patricia.mcdaniel@patch.com for the email with candidate questions.