Holmdel Schools Extend Superintendent Contract Through 2029

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Holmdel Township Board of Education unanimously voted to renew the school district superintendent’s contract through 2029 at a recent board meeting.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, June 25, at Holmdel High School, saw the board extend Superintendent Dr. Scott Cascone’s contract through June 30, 2029.

According to Board Member Kimberly Tuccillo, Cascone still had another year left on his contract, but the board chose to extend it a year early to ensure that he would remain with Holmdel Schools.

“You [Cascone] have been nothing but selfless with your time,” Tuccillo said. “Whether it’s attending evening events, meeting with families, or supporting staff and board alike, you go above and beyond regular expectations, and you have a visible commitment to Holmdel.”

Throughout the meeting, parents, students and board members shared their positive experiences with Dr. Cascone and discussed the change he’s made since joining the district.

Connie Satawa, a former Holmdel PSA President at Village Elementary School and a parent to Holmdel students, spoke about Cascone’s “constant collaboration” with parents at the school and his consistent attendance at school events.

“Every event that we did, he showed up. I didn't even need to ask," Satawa said. "...Thank you for all you have done for this community. We need [Cascone]. We need him to stay here, we need him for many more years to come.”

Lucian Khachaturian, a recent Holmdel High School graduate, spoke about the positive interactions he’s had with Cascone during his time with the district and the impact his presence has made.

Whether it was attending the Holmdel Jazz Band’s competition at another school, talking with students one-on-one, or even attending Holmdel’s Project Graduation event, Khachaturian emphasized how important Cascone's presence has been for him and other Holmdel students.

“Here’s our superintendent, in charge of all these things going on, and remembering who specific students are, what they’re doing, and taking that time out of his day,” Khachaturian said. “...He is so much more involved than anyone could ever imagine somebody to be, and he cares a lot.”

Since joining the Holmdel Township School District in 2022, Board of Education President Christian DiMare said Cascone has led Holmdel schools to "significant growth."

“In the wake of COVID, our district was in urgent need of stability, accountability, and strong leadership,” DiMare said. “Over the past three years, Dr. Cascone has delivered by raising expectations and leading our schools to significant growth. While challenges remain, we are confident there is no one better equipped to lead us through them.”

Board Vice President Alison LoPresti agreed, adding that Cascone has demonstrated “consistent and thoughtful leadership” in Holmdel, and that, under his guidance, there’s been “meaningful progress in our district, stronger communication with families, and a clear commitment to student success and community engagement.”

“Dr. Cascone leads with integrity, transparency, and a vision that puts students first,” LoPresti said. “Our district is better because of his leadership, and he is the right person to continue moving us forward.”

In an online statement, Cascone thanked both current and former board members for their support and said the board’s approval has only strengthened his resolve and dedication to giving his best each day and striving to “create and maintain the conditions within our school community that enable our students, administration, faculty and staff to be at their best.”

“What also makes our school district particularly special is its engaged, intelligent, and critically thinking parent constituency, and our remarkable partnerships with the Holmdel Township Committee and first responders,” Cascone said. “Together, we have shepherded our children and school community away from the path of the pandemic and all its implications. We have continued to move our school district forward despite a host of headwinds.”

“That said, we have plenty of work left to do," Cascone continued. "The days ahead, while filled with promise, are sure to bring possibly unprecedented challenges, challenges that will test the mettle and the will of the board and administration, but also our unity."

“As always, I remain hopeful and committed to doing my part to ensure our continued progress," he said. "I hope you’ll join me.”

To watch a full recording of the June 25 meeting, you can click here.

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