Cedric Holmes Chosen as President of Vineland School Board
Photo from AC JosepH Media archives
From Making History in 2017 as 20-year-old Board Member, Holmes Now Leads
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
VINELAND – Cedric Holmes, who made history in 2017 as the youngest person ever appointed and then elected to the Vineland Board of Education, was elected as the body’s president this week.
Holmes, a native of Vineland and graduate of Vineland High School, was 20 when he was appointed and then winning his first three-year term on the board. He has remained a fixture on the school board ever since.
“It’s not just a title, it’s a responsibility,” Holmes said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “I’m truly humbled and grateful to have been appointed by the majority of my board colleagues to serve as president of the Vineland Board of Education. Thank you for the trust and confidence—I don’t take that lightly.”
Holmes, who works in the property management industry, went on to congratulate Vice President Dennis Rivera and his fellow board members for their support.
“So blessed to have all of my family, friends, church family and colleagues who keep me grounded,” Holmes said. “Looking forward to a successful year of leading with purpose, learning with humility, and uplifting every voice.”
Holmes told Front Runner New Jersey this week that being a member of the board has been one of the most “formative experiences” of his life.
“I came into this role with passion, strong opinions, and a desire to make change, but over time I’ve learned that effective leadership is as much about listening as it is about advocating,” Holmes said.
“I’ve grown in my ability to see the bigger picture—balancing the needs of students, families, educators, and taxpayers while understanding the legal, financial, and policy constraints school districts operate under.”
Holmes said today he is focused on implementation, collaboration, and long-term impact.
“I’ve also developed a deeper respect for the complexity of public education. Working through budgets, labor negotiations, curriculum decisions, and moments of crisis has strengthened my problem-solving skills and taught me how to remain calm, prepared, and thoughtful under pressure,” he said.
“Most importantly, I’ve grown personally. Serving alongside seasoned board members, administrators, teachers, and community members has challenged me to mature quickly, communicate more effectively, and lead with empathy.”
Holmes said he is proud to have grown from being the “young voice” at the table into a more experienced, grounded leadership and someone who still brings energy and fresh perspective.
“After 10 years of service, it’s both humbling and meaningful to now be considered one of the veterans on the board,” Holmes said. “When I first started, I relied heavily on the experience and guidance of those who had served before me. Now, I find myself in that role—helping to provide continuity, historical perspective, and steady leadership.”
Holmes said he has seen the district advance and improve along with noting the hiccups along the way. He said all of those things have helped him grow individually as well being a team player with his fellow board members.
“At the same time, it’s rewarding to see how the district has evolved over the years and to know I’ve played a role in that progress. While experience brings confidence, it also reinforces the importance of staying open to new ideas and perspectives,” Holmes said. “I take pride in being a steady, knowledgeable voice at the table while continuing to learn and grow alongside the rest of the board.”
Holmes listed a list of priorities in his goals for the upcoming year.
“As the new board president, my goals for this year center on leading with purpose, learning with humility, and uplifting every voice in our school community,” Holmes said. “First, I want to ensure that our board remains focused on a clear, shared vision that always puts students first. That means setting priorities intentionally, making thoughtful decisions, and holding ourselves accountable to the goals we establish together.
“Second, I aim to foster a culture of collaboration and respect. I believe strong leadership includes listening—especially to perspectives that challenge us. I want to create space where board members, administrators, educators, families, and students feel heard and valued, and where open dialogue leads to better outcomes.
“Another key goal is strengthening trust and transparency. By communicating clearly and consistently with the community, we can build confidence in our work and ensure that decisions are understood, even when they are difficult.
“Finally, I want us to continue growing as a board. That means committing to ongoing learning, reflecting on our practices, and remaining open to improvement. By leading with purpose, learning with humility, and uplifting every voice, I believe we can move the district forward in a way that is inclusive, thoughtful, and lasting.”
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