Joe Hammer's Holmdel Board of Ed Platform

Are you trying to decide on who to vote for in the upcoming election? This year’s election features five candidates running for three seats on Holmdel’s Board of Education. Many people have been inquiring about the platforms of the various candidates.

Below are the goals, experience and background of one candidate, Joe Hammer, who is currently serving on the board.

GOALS

• Achieve Top 10 NJ Schools Ranking - by systematically improving academics, athletics and arts with innovation and key investment
• Keep Taxes Low - by refinancing debt, increasing alternative revenues and reducing costs
• Expand Student Career and College Opportunities - by partnering with businesses, universities and community leaders
• Improve Public Relations & Communications - strengthening ties to the community and increasing visibility of our student and staff

EXPERIENCE/RESULTS

Strong Advocate for Parents & Community

• Adjusted math pilot based on parent feedback
• Involved broader community in Special Olympics event

Intelligent tax usage - Kept taxes low

• Refinance debt saving thousands of dollars
• Developed long range funding strategies
• Chairman of Budget & Finance Committee

Focused on Student Achievement

• Increased technology usage
• Advocated for Rotating Schedule

Aggressively Addressed School Safety

• Immediately responded to several “SWATing” incidences
• Advocated for School Resource Police Officer
• Completely revised food monitoring procedures
• Chairman of Building, Grounds & Safety Committee

BACKGROUND

• Dedicated to improving schools - Three children in schools, Resident since 2001
• Retired Brigadier General with extensive command leadership experience in the USAF and ANG
• Extensive international and technical experience as Alcatel-Lucent Director
• Passionate about Education - BS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst, MBA, Yale University

When asked to summarize his run for the Holmdel Board of Education, Brig Gen Hammer stated,

”I have a proven track record of strong leadership with a focus on student achievement and keeping taxes low. Holmdel schools are truly great and if the Holmdel community gives me the opportunity, I will strive to take the district to new heights.”