Candidate Surekha Collur shares why she's running for election on the Holmdel Board of Education in 2024.
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel's general election on Nov. 5 has seven candidates running for three open seats on the Holmdel Board of Education.
Incumbent Surekha Collur is running for one of three seats on the board with Kimberly Tuccillo and Raymond Kim. 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 [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Holmdel Patch.
Age (as of Election Day): 60Town of residence: Holmdel Education: MD, FRCSOccupation: Ophthalmologist (Eye Surgeon)Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Holmdel Board of Education (Elected), Holmdel Zoning Board (Appointed), Holmdel Green Team (Appointed)
What drove you to seek office?I’ve called Holmdel home for over 20 years, where I’ve raised my family and run my medical practice, Bayshore Ophthalmology.
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In 2003, I moved to Holmdel with my husband and two young children. Like many working moms, I wanted to be present for my boys while pursuing my professional dream of starting my own medical practice. I found that balance in Holmdel.
The safety and quality of Holmdel’s schools allowed my sons to thrive under inspiring teachers and provided a foundation for them to become capable, confident young men. It is also a privilege to have my eye care practice in Holmdel, and serve the community.
It was the idea of giving back to this town for all that it gave me that inspired me to run in 2021 for the Holmdel Board of Education. I understand the transformative power of education – it has shaped my path as an ophthalmologist, surgeon, and business owner.
Over the past three years on the Board, I believe that I have gained valuable experience and made meaningful contributions toward accomplishing much-needed stability within the administration while also developing forward-thinking fiscal and educational policies critical to the success of the schools in our district.
I am seeking re-election because I am committed to continuing this important work.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?Having lived, studied, and worked across three different continents, I’ve experienced the diversity of educational systems firsthand. This global perspective allows me to bring a fresh, open-minded approach to the table. In addition, I am not only a resident of Holmdel, but I also work here, so I’ve gotten to know the community in many different ways.
I believe in the power of moderation, balance, and careful decision-making. Some say that there’s a conflict between the interests of parents, students, and schools. I believe that differences of opinion shared with respect and consideration, are essential for growth.
Dialogue can create connections between people, especially when we remember that we share a common purpose – to give our children every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
As a physician and surgeon, I blend logical, STEM-based decision-making with empathy and intuitive problem-solving particularly when faced with complex situations. If elected, I will bring this same thoughtful, fact-based approach to the Board, free from personal agendas, and fully committed to serving our community.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing Holmdel, and how will you resolve it?Three years ago, in 2021, when I joined the Board, I viewed falling rankings as the biggest problem. We have taken steps to raise academic standards and will continue to do so.
Raising academic standards better prepares students for their future. Stronger Holmdel schools also will keep property values high.
In 2024, I feel that a pressing issue facing not only Holmdel schools but every school, is the change in school culture. Students seem to be struggling with showing universally positive behaviors like kindness, respect, tolerance, and the ability to listen to each other. Children have always faced uncertainty while navigating different phases of life.
However, it’s no secret that social media use is severely affecting children’s attention spans and creating a whole host of obstacles to learning. Bullying has taken on new forms through cell phones and cyberspace.
I want to continue the district’s sensible cell phone policy, which prevents cell phone use during school hours. I want to prioritize reinforcing positive behavior while establishing appropriate consequences for negative actions and supporting teachers in their efforts to do so. I would support initiatives that bring the same teamwork principles emphasized in our sports into the classroom.
I also believe it’s critical for children to develop critical thinking skills from an early age — which involve the ability to listen and consider different points of view — even where these views differ from their own.
Our schools can create a safe space where students can share their views without fear of judgment through clubs, in-class discussion and assemblies.
What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?As a surgeon, I’m used to creating detailed, week-by-week plans and executing them with precision—from shaping broad visions to managing the smallest details. I bring the same level of attention to detail, dedication, and passion to my role as a member of the Board of Education.
I was a part of the Holmdel Zoning Board in 2021 and the Holmdel Green Team in 2020. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Holmdel Board of Education for the past three years. During this time my key priority has been maintaining a strong focus on STEM education.
I supported a number of measures such as increased academic offerings to curb the outflow of students to MCVSD schools and an expansion of dual enrollment, allowing HHS students to earn college credit.
Nutrition and health is a topic close to my heart as a physician. One of my proudest achievements has been leading the initiative to improve and diversify the food choices available to our students.
By working closely with our school’s food services and district administration, we’ve introduced monthly Discovery Kitchen programs at Indian Hill and Village Schools, and new tasting items ensuring our children have access to a variety of nutritious meals.
I also initiated a discussion on including holidays representative of the diverse cultures in Holmdel, which led the Board to create one of the most inclusive school calendars to date.
I have served on a number of key committees that impact the administration of the schools: the Personal Committee (which participated in the negotiation of teachers’ contracts), the Budget Committee, and the Ad-hoc Policy Committee. I chaired the Buildings and Grounds Committee. I also participated in the 5-Year Holmdel Strategic Planning Initiative, helping to shape the future of our district.
While on the Board, I’ve gained valuable experience and believe that I have made meaningful contributions, helping to guide our district with a moderate, balanced, and deliberate approach. I am seeking re-election because I am committed to continuing this important work.
I believe my continued presence will bring much-needed stability to the Board as we move into the future.
Name one thing about Holmdel that always makes you smile.Holmdel Park: I was smitten by the park when I first moved to Holmdel 20 years ago and have stayed in love with it ever since.
From the children’s playground, the jungle gym, sledding slopes, and tennis courts to runs on the trails, Holmdel Park was a second home to our family. I have spent many hours exploring all the trails countless times.
Once I get to the park, take in the beauty, and breathe in the fresh air, any stress dissipates right away.