Meet Jen Ashkar
Updated: Sep 1
Bio
Holmdel mom of three daughters attending Holmdel High School and Indian Hill.
Grew up in Middletown, Holmdel resident for 17 years.
Studied Environmental Geoscience and Conservation Biology at Boston College and Columbia University. Former collegiate rower.
Over 15 years of experience in environmental education, conservation, public outreach, and outdoor leadership; connecting people with science and the natural world through education and youth programs.
Board member of Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU) for over five years. Member of the Holmdel Township Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee for two years. Longtime advocate for open space preservation, civic engagement, and building community trust through transparency.
Why I’m Running for Holmdel Board of Education
Put Student Learning First
Academic policies should prioritize student learning and mental health over high‑stakes assessment and grading. I will advocate for policies that support more balanced assessment weighting, test returns for all grades, timely feedback for students, reduced summer and waiver assignments, stronger preparation for AP and final exams, and clear guidelines that limit the use of AI to grade student writing.
Expand Opportunity for Every Student
Every student should have access to rigorous coursework that prepares them for college, careers, and beyond. I support expanding access to middle school classes like Algebra I that open pathways to advanced math and AP courses, ensure timely preparation for the SAT, prepare kids for STEM majors, and signal college readiness by allowing more students to reach calculus by 12th grade.
Lead with Fiscal Responsibility
Our district faces a $5+ million dollar budget deficit (BOE Meeting, 8/20206) and major capital decisions, including the potential need for a referendum to replace aging building infrastructure. I will carefully evaluate every investment, asking tough questions and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent as wisely and efficiently as possible while protecting the educational programs, small class sizes, and opportunities students deserve.
Strengthen Student Support Services
Students deserve specialized support that reflects their individual needs. I will support policies that more clearly define roles within the high school guidance department. Students need mental health counselors that can focus solely on students' emotional well being and college counselors that are able to provide expert advice on college planning, applications, financial aid, and career pathways to help families navigate an increasingly complex college applications process.
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