Manalapan-Englishtown Board Of Education Election 2026: Kelly Lukacs

MANALAPAN, NJ — Incumbent Kelly Lukacs is running for re-election to the Board of Education in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In November, Lukacs will run for one of three open full-term seats on the board alongside Jamie Herr and Jenee Campo under the "Collaboration. Opportunity. Responsibility." campaign. Mirsad Capric will also run for a one-year unexpired term under the same campaign.

Joseph Ventola will run for one of the three open full-term seats on the board under the "Quality. Accountability. Efficiency." campaign.

Ahead of the election, Patch posed several questions to Lukacs about her campaign platform, experience and what sets her apart from other candidates running. Her replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education in 2026. Responses are written as received by Patch and only edited for style.

Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

Are you running for election in Manalapan? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Kelly Lukacs

Age: 40
Town of Residence: Manalapan
Education: St. John's University
Occupation: Corporate Training Operations Lead – Lucky Strike Entertainment

What drove you to seek public office?

My children were my motivation, but my community became my purpose.

As a mom of two children in the Manalapan-Englishtown school district, I wanted to have a voice in the decisions that directly impact their education and the education of every child in our community. What started as a desire to be involved in my own children’s school experience quickly grew into something much bigger.

Through my involvement in the PTO, youth sports, and other community activities, I saw firsthand how much our schools mean to our families and how important it is to have people making decisions who understand what is happening beyond the boardroom.

When I first ran for the Board of Education in 2023, I wasn’t looking for a title. I wanted to make a difference. Three years later, that motivation hasn’t changed. If anything, my experience has only strengthened my commitment to our students, staff, families, and taxpayers.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I believe what sets me apart is the combination of my experience on the Board of Education and my continued hands-on involvement in our schools and community.

I’m not just sitting at the board table making decisions. I’m also sitting at PTO meetings, organizing school events, coaching cheerleading, volunteering, and standing on the sidelines alongside the same families those decisions affect.

As a current board member, I understand the responsibilities, challenges, and complexities that come with governing a school district. As a PTO president and parent, I also understand how those decisions translate into the everyday experiences of our students, teachers, and families.

My professional background in operations and hospitality has taught me the importance of managing budgets, working collaboratively, solving problems, and making difficult decisions while keeping the bigger picture in mind.

I don’t believe effective leadership is about who speaks the loudest or who makes the most promises. It’s about who shows up, does the work, asks the right questions, and follows through.

I didn’t get involved in our community because I was on the Board of Education. I wanted to serve on the Board of Education because I was already involved in our community.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?

Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education, gaining valuable firsthand experience in district governance, financial oversight, policy, and the many responsibilities that come with overseeing a public school district.

I currently serve as the Board’s liaison to the District Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC), as well as the PTO/PTA/Booster liaison. Through our monthly Parent Collaborative Meetings, I work alongside school parent organization leaders, district administration, the MERS Foundation, and SEPAG representatives to strengthen communication and collaboration across our schools.

Outside of my board responsibilities, I’m serving my second year as PTO president at Clark Mills Elementary. I’m also in my fourth year coaching competitive cheerleading and remain actively involved in our local youth sports programs.

Professionally, my background in operations and hospitality has given me practical experience with budgeting, leadership, accountability, and managing competing priorities.

But one of the most important things I’ve learned is that being an effective board member involves far more than attending public meetings. Much of the real work happens through preparation, research, conversations, asking questions, and collaboration long before anyone takes their seat at the board table.

I understand the commitment this position requires because I’ve been doing the work, and I’m proud of the experience and perspective I’ve gained along the way.

If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?

My priorities will continue to center around three things: our students, our staff, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

First and foremost, I want to ensure that every student in our district has access to a quality education, the resources they need to succeed, and a safe, supportive learning environment.

I also believe we need to continue recognizing and supporting our incredible teachers and staff. These are the people who show up for our children every single day, often going above and beyond what is expected of them. Supporting our students means supporting the people who educate and care for them.

Fiscal responsibility will remain a major priority. As both a parent and a taxpayer, I understand the importance of balancing the needs of our schools with the financial realities facing our community. We have a responsibility to ask difficult questions, evaluate spending carefully, and make thoughtful decisions that protect both educational opportunities and taxpayer investments.

Finally, I want to continue strengthening communication and collaboration between the district and our families. I believe parents should feel heard, community members should feel informed, and decisions should be made with transparency and an understanding of how they affect the people we serve.

I’m not running to reinvent the wheel or make unrealistic promises. I’m running to continue the work, build on the progress we’ve made, and help move our district forward.

Name one thing about Manalapan-Englishtown that always makes you smile.

The sense of community, without a doubt.

There’s something special about walking into a school event, standing on the sidelines at a football game, or attending a cheer competition and seeing so many familiar faces. These aren’t just people who happen to live in the same town. They’re the families we raise our children alongside, the teachers who help shape their futures, and the volunteers who give up their time to make our community better.

I love that my children are growing up in a place where people show up for one another. Whether it’s a school fundraiser, a community celebration, or cheering on our kids, there’s a sense of pride and connection that makes Manalapan-Englishtown feel like home.

And honestly, seeing our kids grow up together, knowing they’re making memories and friendships that could last a lifetime, will always make me smile.