[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6142101,"mediaKeyId","5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565","parentId",5568204,"title","Holmdel district highlights student awards, testing, internships and extracurricular achievements","audioSeconds",977,"startMs",1069000,"endMs",2046000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565&start=1069&end=2046","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565/thumbnail_1069000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6142101/New-Jersey/Holmdel-district-highlights-student-awards-testing-internships-and-extracurricular-achievements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142101-52d6c0a962a3842dea78b29e7f293d6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770792211&Signature=QqyPeCs2LbQioGnJW4T7hJbLgSnrtKLtNujsHi3TiH7H9nupz0YSbFujuknx7JBk~JJSsn3uCpNvBDWcb3XFmcvEopEvxiaiE541MgBEVg07SrXxg5coYY6t6PXAhJapcmys5UEwQ7zmDg0WnYiyYx0nnR3G3A~6CszGvdZLf57Ar2SwvmVkbfGDYGkjymT~s5HU-zbBPViQr6HicTKMkXtBPqbVHjG6vqOTIt~p9RzyMbBDSiKc11o88p~HkaXMxKdSvwhpUjX7G-tT65AydDQ6K9k7lb0ISkGe7CqktQEIrIB6CPDTri39H9bA~NJ20q94crjum9M6vsXDB0mP8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Holmdel Township School District, NJ","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","Central office presented a summary of recent and upcoming academic, extracurricular and counseling activities across the Holmdel Township School District.

Amanda (staff) and other administrators reported on a parent‑facing presentation about social‑media safety that was livestreamed and posted on the district website. Administrators encouraged families to review the materials online and said they had received follow‑up feedback from parents.

The district celebrated several student recognitions: Patrick Gross received the Rebecca S. McDonald award through the Transition Coordinators Network; Indian Hill School placed seventh out of 80 schools in the sixth‑grade New Jersey Mathematics League and was the top Monmouth County sixth‑grade school; multiple students and teams advanced to sectional and state competitions in golf, volleyball and other sports; and world‑language honor societies inducted 139 students across Chinese, French, Italian, Latin and Spanish programs.

High‑school counseling updates included ongoing individual scheduling meetings, a college‑prep panel for junior parents, a Princeton Review virtual essay event and a summer college‑essay workshop in July. Counselors reminded families that waiver requests for honors placements are due by July 15, 2025, with waiver work due July 31, 2025; the district said students who do not apply by the deadline will forgo the waiver opportunity.

Administration noted that NJSLA and AP testing were wrapping up the week of May 19 and commended students and staff for the logistical effort required to administer state exams on devices. The business internship coordinator reported a growing set of internship placements in medicine, engineering, business and other fields for next year.

Curriculum updates included placement‑notification timing: tentative placement notices for rising grades 6–8 honors English would be shared on or about May 30; high‑school English placements for rising grades 9–12 would be shared in June after report cards. The district reiterated placement criteria, waiver deadlines and no‑late‑work policies for waivers.

Administrators stressed the value of extracurriculars and internships: one board member said over 60% of students at the complex participate in at least one sport and emphasized wider social and emotional benefits from extracurricular involvement.

No formal action was taken; these items were informational updates provided by central office staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Holmdel Township School District BOE Meeting 5-21-25","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators summarized recent student recognitions, upcoming placements and waiver deadlines, NJSLA and AP testing schedules, expanding internship placements and accomplishments across athletics, arts and STEM programs.","taxTitle","Holmdel Township School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",53570,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6142106,"Holmdel board president defends district and administration after critical Patch article",205,2560000,2765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565&start=2560&end=2765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565/thumbnail_2560000.jpg","/articles/6142106/New-Jersey/Holmdel-board-president-defends-district-and-administration-after-critical-Patch-article","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142106-39cf62bbc0fe6381e5e6352fbe38f854/orig.mp4?Expires=1770792211&Signature=bxT0YynTikhGOydAX9vd7ubz9IAJwvllYbodjbUhx9SrYBcJHRJXZVTLRBic6RDHLiPoLwAVd504Z49jpDwBRXvKT1TeAF7tOD7u-kbs4oVWGMYOy1Nq72-fE0X7R3glQIcPb-hNmIhSTLWtpVhdpkUXIfZB419ErZyi1S0TkL4ncQbS2bFVcFpBR5-hyWe6~HqkIQYFRuLoamW0ouICvNXfDliDCwcKQH6MVWpFyf4b53FPCEkzsuCRh23JDhDnlF7dgpEMxlKCYLs5f41IgLQjZ8eA6~EpsSVgEs7rQIZR1UlJeBpq6SGbP~CkyNmoXE7J~DrUCi1f6HvS9Dw7ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board President Demarre used the meeting to defend the Holmdel Township School District and its administration after a series of critical articles published on Patch by Prakash Santana.

“Anybody who feels negatively about the Holmdel Township School District is just not paying attention,” President Demarre said, urging community members to reach out to district staff before publishing criticisms. Demarre criticized the author for not contacting district leaders and called the article’s headline — “Money Down the Drain” — “extremely misleading.” He said district administrators, including Business Administrator Debbie Donnelly and Superintendent Dr. Cascone, respond to inquiries and have invited community members to meet and discuss concerns.

Other board members echoed the call for community engagement and emphasized the amount of praise the district receives in private correspondence. One board member noted the district’s close relationship with the township committee in recent years and said elected partners should work collaboratively with the school board.

Superintendent Dr. Cascone was defended repeatedly for his work leading the district. Board members said they will continue to invite residents to use the board email address (boardmembers@holmdelschools.org) and to contact administrators directly with questions about finances, programs or operations rather than relying on media posts alone.

No formal action was taken in response to the article; board members framed their remarks as an appeal for civil engagement and a reminder that many administrative matters are confidential during budget preparation.","Board President Demarre and other board members publicly rebutted a Patch article titled 'Money Down the Drain' and urged community members to engage with district leadership rather than publish criticisms without first asking questions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6142111,"Board to consider $85,000 local‑recreation grant and larger playground purchase for Village School courtyard",253,780000,1033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565&start=780&end=1033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565/thumbnail_780000.jpg","/articles/6142111/New-Jersey/Board-to-consider-85000-localrecreation-grant-and-larger-playground-purchase-for-Village-School-courtyard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142111-936cc3419b7bf68059fe4400dab56ba3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770792211&Signature=eQ3QBeXDyiZ-NxEkiyGJ5BwYAveSXonLI9FSCHV1C4KJE5LdKXdhtwgdCG6n04B744HPc89o79WQy2TEGCDrFgc5dEp8Nu68s9BIU7ok1zgUSp2wox6qWL8EW6oqZihuSj1T4vmmK7zfTzfSZzfbq8hQPsN7srUYLNdI0xdP9nXqDa-lSWWFA8zelDMswbR3x3YpiXE6rDpUmiTK1-CIwilRhFx5Qr9TwbfZ-Pxj-tBKLRG13bVeeFnEx8A7huDtM0jE8mS4WKSPcnomzWNJK4ak3bZYXzeQbpMD71i9qM3aVNpnIqIAw4IdR7pE1D35OPRHBMULRX3tjJZDrdPVHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members described a multi‑source funding plan to replace the Village School courtyard play area, which is currently closed because of safety concerns.

Board members said the district will seek to accept an $85,000 local recreation grant and supplement it with funds raised by the Village School PSA and money from the preschool enterprise program. Those funds would be used to install new playground equipment and an accessible rubber surface appropriate for preschool students who currently lack a playground that meets their needs.

During discussion a board member said the listed purchase amount for playground equipment, installation and rubber safety surfacing is $135,508 (documented on the agenda under a related line item). The board member explained that the $85,000 grant plus PSA fundraising and preschool enterprise funds would be used to cover that cost. A separate paving resolution for adjacent courtyard paving — outside the rubber play surface and intended to provide additional usable outdoor space for students — was discussed; the board member said the district will bring a resolution and purchasing documentation for that paving once purchasing compliance has been confirmed.

Amanda Lavalier was cited as participating in the equipment‑design selection to ensure the new playground is inclusive for students with special needs. Several staff and parent‑group volunteers were thanked by board members for helping secure the grant and supporting design work.

No formal vote to accept the grant or award contracts occurred during the meeting; board members indicated the acceptance of the local recreation grant and purchase contracts will be on an upcoming public agenda for formal action and that the paving resolution will be posted when procurement details are finalized.

Board members emphasized safety as the primary driver for the project; one member said the existing rubber surface is “in disarray and is closed down and students cannot use it at this time.”","Board members discussed a plan to use an $85,000 local recreation grant together with PSA donations and preschool enterprise funds to replace a deteriorated courtyard play area at Village School; a separate purchase estimate for playground equipment and rubber surfacing was discussed and a paving resolution will be posted for later approval.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6142114,"Holmdel district recognizes cafeteria staff, discusses Chartwells finances and proposed meal-price increases",1607,64000,1671000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565&start=64&end=1671","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5568204-7919f6de2e759882d039da8c76e94565/thumbnail_64000.jpg","/articles/6142114/New-Jersey/Holmdel-district-recognizes-cafeteria-staff-discusses-Chartwells-finances-and-proposed-meal-price-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6142114-dd3dcd92500f022487a1fdb52b0e3ebd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770792211&Signature=MqqH2~IOd8-Xdrna1rCH8k5XwKkLwXpreDSUCGWfu2ShC09Y48snplEDsH0NIaX7JH0bMLA3W6zGxOlZAuSg7yi6WASA8wtyHH~Cch9GJB0WUyXDwWHR6FL1VzdzLJI7~tJSjh38ORXNCr-wcykgwwYwBB8Hv90nv4ITn8nnPzL0dDehuhCjAZKI5MKfffCbUqT9T4GFGx4QYxOtDZ68ONGgJuM~C2Xk8OPBqfuxtTLdFemmyohBP1QPtMr9~Gy4fJEpq1wSgqLv8rMO9bADVpgjxCHKLMStcM6GJ9lRS7mj8wR15kVH1iUujlDXhE-1rE5JTRrBRoQL7v8qN~3mOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holmdel Township School District Board of Education on May 14 recognized cafeteria employees and received a financial update on its food-service contractor, Chartwells.

At the start of the meeting the board presented Holmdel pins to school cafeteria staff in observance of School Lunch Hero Day. “So on behalf of Holmdel Board of Education, we'd like to thank you for all that you do,” Business Administrator Debbie Donnelly said as staff were invited to the front for photos.

The board then reviewed Chartwells’ year‑to‑date financials. Debbie Donnelly said sales for April year‑to‑date increased by nearly $60,000 and that free‑and‑reduced meals rose by about $12,100 during the same period; Chartwells covers those meals under its agreement and does not receive offsetting revenue for them. Donnelly said Chartwells returned purchasing credits to the district of more than $106,000 year‑to‑date and that personnel costs rose modestly because of the vendor’s union contract.

Donnelly told the board the district plans to present a meal-price increase for action at the June meeting: elementary lunches from $3.50 to $3.80 and complex (middle/high) lunches from $4.25 to $4.40. She said if sales volume holds steady, the proposed increase would generate about $36,000 in additional revenue for 2026–27. Donnelly also noted a five‑year amortized $275,000 renovation commitment Chartwells made as part of its last RFP; that amortization (about $55,000 per year) ends in the 2026–27 year and has affected program operating results.

Donnelly said the current contract guarantee is to break even and that, after accounting for increased free/reduced meals and the remaining amortization cost, the program is operating at a loss year‑to‑date. She said if those two items were excluded, the program would show an approximate $18,000 profit year‑to‑date. Donnelly reported Chartwells expects food costs to rise in future years as vendors respond to requests to remove dyes and additives from menu items.

Board members asked follow‑up questions about top choices by school and year‑over‑year comparisons; Donnelly said the requested top‑10 data had been provided previously to the board and that additional financial detail had been shared with board members.

No vote on Chartwells’ contract or the price changes was taken at the meeting; Donnelly said the pricing proposal will be presented to the board at its June meeting for formal consideration.

The presentation closed with board members thanking Chartwells staff and the district for operating the kitchens without additional hires this year, despite the financial pressures donors and the district are absorbing.

The board’s discussion was limited to the agenda item; public comment on unrelated topics was reserved for the meeting’s public‑comment period.","The Holmdel Township School District honored cafeteria employees for School Lunch Hero Day and heard a finance update from Business Administrator Debbie Donnelly on Chartwells’ performance, including year‑to‑date sales changes, vendor credits and a proposed meal-price increase to appear on the June board agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Holmdel district highlights student awards, testing, internships and extracurricular achievements

Holmdel board president defends district and administration after critical Patch article

Board to consider $85,000 local‑recreation grant and larger playground purchase for Village School courtyard

Holmdel district recognizes cafeteria staff, discusses Chartwells finances and proposed meal-price increases