Why I am running for re-election to Holmdel BOE

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I have not only raised a family in Holmdel, but I also work here. For 20 years, I’ve owned and operated a local eye care practice, Bayshore Ophthalmology. Serving my patients has always been driven by a deep passion for community, and it was this passion that drove me to run in 2021 for the Holmdel Board of Education. I understand the transformative power of education – it has shaped my path across three continents as an ophthalmologist, surgeon, and business owner, and it is the reason I am where I am today.

I believe in the power of moderation, deliberation and balance. Some say that there is a conflict between the interests of parents, students and schools. I believe differences of opinion are not only natural but, when viewed as a starting point for creating connections, are essential for growth and progress. Especially when we remember that we share a common purpose – we all want the same things from the education of our children: that they are well-rounded students, community members and citizens.

I am proud of what I’ve accomplished in my first term on the Holmdel Board of Education. I maintained a strong focus on STEM education, supporting the expansion of academic offerings, clubs, dual enrollment programs for earning college credit, entrepreneurship and internship opportunities. As a doctor who is passionate about nutrition, I worked to introduce healthier and more varied lunch options for our students. I also initiated discussions to create a more inclusive school calendar that reflects the diversity of our community.

As I seek re-election, I remain committed to continuing this vital work, while also acknowledging some new challenges that are arising in our modern age.

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 related to cell phones and cyberspace. I want to support teachers in their efforts to limit 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.

It’s also critical for children to develop strong listening skills from an early age—creating a safe space where they can share their views without judgment. I want to introduce clubs, peer to peer-to-peer activities to strengthen listening skills.

While we rightly focus on STEAM and sports, I believe that enduring values of respect, kindness and responsibility are vital to grounding our students to work as a team as we prepare them for a world full of increasing unknowns such as AI.

As a physician and surgeon, I blend logical, STEM-based decision-making with empathy and intuitive problem-solving. If re-elected, I will bring this same thoughtful, unbiased approach to the Board, free from personal agendas, and fully committed to serving our community.

Alongside my running mates Kimberly Tuccillo and Raymond Kim, I am dedicated to upholding Holmdel’s values while keeping politics out of the picture. As "Leading Holmdel Forward" (column 1) candidates, we take lessons from the past and look to the future to achieve our goals.

Dr. Surekha Collur
Candidate for Holmdel BOE

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