Holmdel Board Of Education Election 2025: John Buckley

HOLMDEL, NJ — Incumbent John Buckley is running for re-election to the Holmdel Township Board of Education in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In November, Buckley will run for one of three open full-term seats on the board with incumbent Jeff Mann and newcomer Kevin Schroeter under the campaign “Preserve Holmdel Schools.”

The three will run against Brittany Manning, Greg Fernandez and Joanne Lam, who are all running under the campaign “Education Not Politics.”

Ahead of the General Election, Patch posed several questions to Buckley about his campaign platform, experience, and what sets him apart from other candidates running. His replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Holmdel Township Board of Education in 2025. Responses are written as received by Patch.

Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

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

What drove you to seek public office?
As a current member of the Holmdel Board of Education seeking re-election, I have demonstrated my unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer interests through thoughtful budget oversight and resource allocation.

During my tenure, I’ve consistently advocated for parental rights, ensuring that families maintain their rightful role as primary decision-makers in their children’s education. My track record shows that I’ve worked diligently to create transparency in our district’s operations while balancing educational excellence with financial prudence.

I am seeking a second term to continue this important work, building upon the foundation we’ve established and further strengthening our schools while respecting both our community’s values and taxpayers’ concerns.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What truly sets me apart from other candidates is my proven financial leadership and direct experience with the district’s most critical challenges.

As a member of the Budget and Finance committee and the head of our teacher contract negotiation team, I bring specialized expertise that my opponents simply don’t possess. With Holmdel currently navigating a significant budget gap, my demonstrated ability to make tough financial decisions while maintaining educational standards will be instrumental to our district’s future success.

Throughout my tenure, I’ve consistently championed parental rights, ensuring that families have a strong voice in curriculum decisions and educational policies. Unlike my opponents who would face a steep learning curve, I can continue this vital work without delay, leveraging my experience to protect both our educational excellence and the values our community holds dear.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
My qualifications for the Holmdel Board of Education are rooted in both my professional experience and personal connection to our community.

As a current board member serving on the Budget and Finance committee, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the fiscal operations of our district, making difficult but necessary decisions to maintain our educational standards while respecting taxpayer contributions. Leading the teacher contract negotiation team has further honed my ability to balance fair compensation with fiscal responsibility.

What truly distinguishes me, however, is my lifelong connection to Holmdel. I grew up in this town and proudly attended all four Holmdel schools, from kindergarten through high school graduation. This unique perspective gives me an intimate understanding of our district’s traditions, values, and potential.

My personal investment in seeing Holmdel schools regain their ranking as top public schools in New Jersey isn’t just professional, it’s personal. I know what excellence in our schools looks like because I lived it, and I’m committed to ensuring today’s students have the same outstanding opportunities that shaped my own education and life.

If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?
If re-elected to the Holmdel Board of Education, my immediate priorities will reflect the critical needs facing our district.

My foremost focus will be finalizing a new teacher’s contract that is both fair and equitable, respecting our educators’ contributions while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers. This balanced approach is essential to ensure continued educational excellence in Holmdel, as our teachers are the foundation of our students’ success.

Equally important will be my commitment to maintaining complete transparency with our community regarding district decisions, particularly those involving budgetary matters during this challenging financial period. I will also prioritize modernizing our curriculum to prepare Holmdel students for an AI-driven world, developing the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to succeed in rapidly evolving technological environments.

By fostering these essential competencies and focusing on responsible financial management and educational excellence, I believe we can strengthen our schools and restore Holmdel to its rightful place among New Jersey’s top public school districts.

Name one thing about Holmdel that always makes you smile.
What truly makes me smile about Holmdel is seeing how many graduates, myself included, have chosen to return to our hometown to raise their own families.

This “full circle” journey speaks volumes about the special nature of our community and the lasting impact of a Holmdel education. When I attend town events or school functions and reconnect with fellow alumni who’ve also returned, it reinforces why I’m so passionate about preserving and enhancing the exceptional educational experience that shaped us and now benefits our children.

This generational continuity strengthens our community bonds and demonstrates the enduring value of what makes Holmdel truly special.