When the Holmdel Township Board of Education moved to privatize custodial services, they framed it as a financial decision. For the members of the Holmdel Township Education Association (HTEA), however, it was something much bigger: a fight for the dignity of dedicated employees, the stability of school communities and the principle that public schools should invest in people, not replace them.
What followed became a powerful example of solidarity in action.
For months, HTEA members stood shoulder to shoulder with custodians whose jobs, livelihoods and years of service were suddenly under threat. These were not anonymous positions on a spreadsheet. These were trusted members of the school community, the familiar faces who opened buildings before sunrise, kept schools safe and clean and took pride in creating welcoming environments for students and staff every single day.
The board’s proposal to privatize custodial staff threatened to strip away not only jobs, but also the relationships and trust that had been built over decades.
HTEA knew this could not go unanswered.
With the support of NJEA, members organized quickly and strategically. Local leaders worked closely with NJEA staff, UniServ representatives, communications teams and legal support to build a campaign that educated the community and amplified the voices of those directly affected.
Members attended board of education meetings in force. They spoke passionately during the public comment period. They shared personal stories about the custodians who had become part of the fabric of their schools. They mobilized parents, students and community members who understood that privatization would hurt not only employees, but the entire district.
The message was simple and clear: custodians are educators’ partners in creating safe, healthy learning environments, and they deserve respect, not replacement.
Community support grew stronger with every meeting.
Parents questioned why loyal employees were being pushed aside. Staff members spoke about the importance of consistency and trust in school operations. Students recognized the impact that these essential workers had on their daily lives.
What could have been treated as a quiet administrative decision became a public conversation about values.
And that made all the difference.
Because of relentless advocacy, member engagement and the full backing of NJEA, HTEA successfully pushed back against the privatization effort. The board ultimately reversed course and the custodians kept their jobs.
It was a victory, but more importantly, it was proof that collective action works.
This fight reminded everyone involved that unions are strongest when members see every fight as their fight. Teachers, secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals and other staff have different roles, but they share the same mission: supporting students and protecting public education.
HTEA’s victory also highlighted the critical role NJEA plays in local battles like this one. From strategic guidance to organizing support, from communications expertise to legal advocacy, NJEA helped turn concern into action and action into results.
No local association fights alone.
In a time when privatization efforts continue to threaten public school workers across New Jersey, Holmdel’s story serves as both a warning and an inspiration. Boards may attempt to justify outsourcing as efficiency, but educators know the real cost is measured in lost trust, broken relationships and weakened school communities.
The Holmdel fight proves that when members organize early, stand united and lean on the strength of NJEA, privatization can be defeated.
This was not just a win for custodians. It was a win for union solidarity. A win for public education. And a reminder that when we fight together, we win together.