Holmdel Board Of Education Election 2024: Raymond Kim

HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel's general election on Nov. 5 has seven candidates running for three open seats on the Holmdel Board of Education.

Candidate Raymond Kim is running for one of three seats on the board with Kimberly Tuccillo and Surekha Collur. Opposing candidates include Jeff Sargent, Terence Wall, Mary Corrigan, and John Giampolo.

Are you running for the Board of Education in Holmdel? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Holmdel Patch.

Raymond Kim

Age: 44
Town of residence: Holmdel
Education: B.A. Philosophy Politics and Law – Binghamton University,
J.D. Rutgers School of Law, LLM Taxation – Villanova University (current student)
Occupation: Estate Planning Attorney

What drove you to seek public office?
My family and I moved to Holmdel for its exceptional schools and great community values. My wife and I are products of great public schools and understand that few things are more important than providing a high-quality public education for children.

My parents were small business owners who knew the value of hard work, determination, and resourcefulness. They knew that while these traits were crucial for building a business, education would be the foundation of their children's future success. Public school education, when done right, should provide access to knowledge, critical thinking, and creativity—qualities essential in a competitive world. Well-educated children grow into adults who strengthen local economies and foster innovation.

I expect our school district to set high standards for each student, empowering them to reach their full potential and become active citizens in the 21st-century workforce. With a $71 million school budget, funded by 68% of our property taxes, we must manage these resources wisely.

Holmdel schools have previously ranked in the top 10 for academics in New Jersey, all while spending less per student than the state average. Our community should never have to compromise between reducing bus ride times for safety or providing the academic tools necessary for every student to achieve their dreams—whether that dream is running a family business, becoming an entrepreneur, excelling in STEM, or pursuing the arts.

I am running for a position on the Holmdel Board of Education to actively contribute to finding solutions while staying within our budget. Parents have a right to know how the school is spending their tax dollars.

My goal is to be a voice of transparency for the students, parents, and the community as a whole.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What sets me apart from other candidates is my blend of professional experience and community involvement. As a trust and estates attorney with a strong background in finance, I am trained in analyzing complicated information to solve complicated financial issues and plan for the long term, which I hope to put to use in managing our schools' resources effectively.

Additionally, I serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Attorney Ethics and the New Jersey State Bar Association’s standing committee for Bylaws and Resolutions. These roles have given me a strong foundation in ethics and governance which I will bring to my service on the school board.

I’m especially honored to serve as volunteer Fire Police for the Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company #2 and as a volunteer lacrosse coach with the Holmdel Youth Athletic Association. These roles reflect Holmdel’s commitment to helping neighbors and upholding the values of
achievement, teamwork, and community that make our town special.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Holmdel, and how will you resolve it?
School bullying and a perception of insufficient accountability are critical issues facing Holmdel schools, impacting not only the well-being of students but also their academic success. The prevalence of bullying can lead to feelings of isolation and stress, ultimately hindering a child’s ability to thrive in a supportive learning environment. It is important that students feel secure and valued in their school community.

To address this pressing issue, we must implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs that promote tolerance and respect among students. These programs could include classroom discussions on conflict resolution, empathy-building, and the importance of bystander
intervention. Additionally, we need to establish a clear reporting system that encourages students to speak up about bullying without fear of retaliation.

Moreover, fostering a positive school culture requires active involvement from parents, teachers, and the community. By organizing community events and support groups like Live Holmdel Blue, we can create a network of support that empowers students and reinforces the message that bullying is unacceptable.

Together, we can create a safe, respectful environment where every student can reach their full potential.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
Before founding my own law firm, I managed the day-to-day legal operations of a $6 billion finance company, where I developed essential financial and budgeting skills. I oversaw complex budgets, ensured efficient resource allocation, and planned for long-term growth. If elected, I would use these skills to ensure efficient allocation of the school budget and thoughtful planning for the district’s long-term success, making sure the community’s tax dollars are spent on projects that truly benefit the students.

I am particularly proud of my work as a trustee for Wills for Heroes New Jersey, an organization dedicated to providing free estate planning services to first responders. Giving these heroes a sense of security about their legacies gives me great pride. Equally important, it taught me the importance of protecting a community’s legacy with integrity and respect.

Name one thing about Holmdel that always makes you smile.
The sense of community in Holmdel always brings a smile to my face.

As a coach with the Holmdel Youth Activities Association (HYAA), I love seeing families come together and children playing in our parks. This vibrant community fosters a strong sense of belonging, reminding me that we all share a common goal: to create a bright future for our children, where they can grow and thrive in a supportive environment. The connections we build here make a big difference in shaping their experiences and successes for the future.