During the recent Holmdel Township School District Board of Education meeting held on July 30, 2025, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the school’s parking policies, particularly the recent changes affecting junior students.

One parent, expressing frustration over the current parking situation, urged the board to reconsider the utilization of available spaces in the SAT side of the building. They highlighted that there appears to be double the number of parking spots compared to the number of staff and administrators, suggesting that students should not be parking in designated teacher and administrative areas. The parent proposed strict disciplinary measures for students who violate parking rules, including potential suspension for repeat offenders. They emphasized the need for a more practical solution rather than constructing a new parking lot, which would incur substantial costs.

Another community member, Jennifer Polino, echoed these sentiments, thanking the board for their efforts while advocating for a review of the junior parking policy. She pointed out that the recent changes represent a significant departure from longstanding practices and impose unnecessary burdens on families. Polino noted that the student population has not dramatically increased, and during her visits, she observed ample parking availability, even when juniors were previously allowed to drive. She argued that the issue of traffic congestion is more related to scheduling than a lack of parking spaces and called for the board to explore more practical solutions before enforcing restrictions on junior drivers.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing concern among parents about the implications of parking policies on student accessibility and family logistics. As the board considers these viewpoints, the community awaits further dialogue on potential adjustments to the parking policy that could alleviate the concerns raised.