Election Profile: Kimberly Tuccillo For Holmdel BOE

HOLMDEL, NJ — Three seats are open for the Holmdel Township Board of Education and six candidates are in the run.

Terence M. Wall, Surekha Collur, Kimberly Tuccillo, Weiping Wang, Jill Perez and Kristy O'Connor are all vying for a seat.

Tuccillo, 43, has lived in Holmdel for 35 years and has worked as a speech and language pathologist in the Freehold Township School District. She has a bachelor of science degree from Ithaca College in speech pathology and audiology and a master’s degree from Montclair State University in communication sciences and disorders.

The candidate is also a mother of four children — three of which who are currently enrolled in school between the second and eighth grade and one who has graduated from Holmdel High School in 2019.

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Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

While attending the Board of Education meetings over the past several years, I have routinely commented and asked questions. Oftentimes I have been left with ambiguous answers and a feeling of dissatisfaction. I am running for the Board of Education now because I feel that there comes a point where you just cannot stand by any longer. A person needs to take action and become part of the solution. I would like to give back to Holmdel and give a voice to our community members, students, and others, that may feel like I have over the years: unheard.

What is the single most important issue the Holmdel School District is facing and what do you intend to do about it?

The selection of a superintendent is among the most significant decisions any school district board of education will make. The superintendent implements the school board’s vision by making the day-to-day decisions about staffing, educational programs, spending, and facilities. The superintendent hires, supervises, and manages the central staff and principals. Superintendents must work with members of administration and teachers to serve the needs of students and meet the district goals. It’s vital that we hire a Superintendent that has a vested interest in our community, staff, and students. They need to be effective leaders with excellent communication skills, and the ability to clearly express their vision to their staff and the community. We need to ensure that they work cohesively with the board on developing district goals that guide us moving forward. They need to be able to implement inclusive recruitment strategies for the multiple open positions throughout the district. We must find a way to reconnect with the staff, allowing them to provide feedback without fear of retribution. We need to create an environment that allows for growth and free-thinking, which will ultimately increase staff engagement and productivity.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board seat?

I believe that my experience in education enables me to bring a unique perspective not presently on the current Board of Education. I believe that I have a better understanding of the inner workings of the school system and therefore a better understanding of where our district excels and where it may benefit from additional support. Working in a related service/healthcare profession I have learned to work collaboratively with colleagues and parents, striking a balance between what is in the student’s best interest and what is feasible within the confines of the district. I will commit to step forward, serve our community, and work collaboratively with other Board members to move to the next level because that’s what our kids need. It’s what they deserve!

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My strong interpersonal skills, commitment to teamwork and a willingness to learn have enabled me to have a stable work and home life. I am the household manager for my family of six, prioritizing and organizing my time effectively to meet all of our needs. With career stability in both the public and private sectors, I volunteer to serve as a HYAA Softball Commissioner and team mom. I saw the need for and founded the Holmdel Locals Page on Facebook, as a way to promote local business leaders and locally owned businesses.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Holmdel for 35 years. My parents and my three sisters, along with their respective families, all reside here as well. My husband, David, and I have four children: Nicholas (HHS Graduate 2019), Madeline (8th grade), Amanda (5th grade) and Thomas (2nd grade). One of my children is in special education, giving me a unique lens. With one graduate, my family still has 9 children moving into or through our schools, ranging from ages 2 to 14. Being a parent is always foremost in my mind, however we all have a vested interest in our children, the school district and our community. The Holmdel Schools are the foundation for our children’s success. If there was ever a time when quality leadership is needed, it is now. The system works best when able and committed people step forward and serve their community. I am stepping forward now and asking for your support.