Thursday, October 1, 2026
Lifelong Lynbrook resident Mathew Hollenstein is seeking a seat on the Lynbrook Board of Education, saying he hopes to help the district maintain its strong reputation while balancing financial challenges and supporting students and families.
Hollenstein, a Lynbrook High School graduate and father of two current district students, said his longtime connection to the community inspired his decision to run. He attended West End Elementary School and North Middle School before graduating from Lynbrook High School in 2000.
“Being a Lynbrook graduate I have pride in our community,” Hollenstein wrote in an email. “I received such a wonderful experience while attending Lynbrook schools, I want to ensure many generations continue to have a similar experience as mine.”
Hollenstein has lived in Lynbrook for 42 years and currently lives on the south side of the village with his wife, Jessica, and their two children. Their son is a sophomore at Lynbrook High School, while their daughter attends South Middle School.
Professionally, Hollenstein works in banking and finance, currently serving as a relationship manager within Citi’s Emerging Corporates Digital Venture Banking team. He said his professional background has helped prepare him for the budgeting and decision-making responsibilities of a Board of Education trustee.
“My business background translates directly into strong skills in budgeting, decision making and problem solving, which are essential for responsible oversight as a Board of Education member,” Hollenstein wrote.
Outside of work, Hollenstein said he has spent years coaching youth athletics throughout the community, including 14 years with the Lynbrook Titans Wrestling program, six years coaching Lynbrook/East Rockaway girls soccer and seven years with Lynbrook Little League.
Hollenstein said his involvement in the community extends beyond athletics and includes his family’s longtime participation in local schools and orginizations. He noted that his wife, Jessica, has also been active in the district over the years, including volunteering during their children’s time at Marion Street Elementary School and serving as a catechist at St. Raymond’s Church.
He also said his experience as both a parent and coach has given him close insight to the needs of students and families throughout the district.
“As a parent, I also bring firsthand understanding of the challenges, needs, and opportunities our students face, giving me a balanced and practical perspective,” Hollenstein wrote. “My years of coaching youth sports have reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline and mentorship, while also keeping me closely connected to families throughout the comminuty.”
Among the biggest issues facing the district, Hollenstein pointed to rising costs and concerns over state funding. He said proposed reductions in state aid and unfunded mandates continue to place pressure on local districts.
“Our district faces several significant challenges, among them is the state’s proposed reduction in aid without corresponding relief from unfunded mandates,” Hollenstein wrote. “It is essential that we approach these challenges with thoughtful planning, creativity and fiscal responsibility.”
If elected, Hollenstein said his priorities would include supporting students and staff while ensuring taxpayers and residents remain represented in district decisions. He also said he believes partisan politics should stay out of Board of Education discussions.
“I will focus on making thoughtful, responsible decisions, keeping partisan politics out of the Board of Education and ensuring that extreme viewpoints do not interfere with our primary goal of providing the best possible support for our students,” he wrote.
Hollenstein said he plans to remain accessible to residents through open communication, school events and community involvement. He added that strong public schools benefit not only students and families, but the entire community.
“The quality of our public schools directly impacts home values, the overall feel and stability of our community, the ability to attract future residents and the success of local businesses,” Hollenstein wrote.
The Lynbrook Board of Education election and budget vote will be held Tuesday, May 19.
