Meet the BOE Candidate: Karen M. Kenny

Toms River Patch to each of the eight candidates running for the school board of Toms River Regional Schools. Seven responded to the questionnaire, where we sent each candidate identical questions on who they are, why they are running and what issues matter most to them and what they’d hope to accomplish if elected.

Here is the candidate profile of Karen Kenny:

1. Please give us a brief bio:

Karen M. Kenny, Age: 42,  Broad Street, Toms River, NJ 08753

Educator for 20 years, Currently the Director of Student Services, Pinelands Regional School District, Former Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Coach, Supervisor at Pinelands Regional School District.

2. Please briefly explain what professional and civic/volunteer experience you have. Feel free to include job experience, awards, or schooling.

Authored and awarded $250,000 Grant from the New Jersey Department of Education and served as Project Director for the Pinelands Regional School District which provided students with disabilities increased access to general education programs through implementation of inclusive practices.

Master of Arts Degree in Education, Georgian Court University, Married 20 years to Sgt. Scott T. Kenny, Toms River Police Department, Two children- Kyle, a senior at Toms River High School South who will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program and Madison, a freshman at Toms River High School South.  Both children graduated Walnut Street Elementary School. 

Past President of Toms River High School South Football Booster Club, Trustee of the Toms River High School South Wrestling Booster Club, Volunteer for the John De Marco Scholarship Foundation, Member of the First United Methodist Church of Island Heights.

Questions 3, 4 and 5: What are your key concerns about the school district? What issues do you hope to address? What do you think should be done to resolve those issues?

 The Toms River Regional School system is at a crossroads — we need new leadership to face the challenges of the Ritacco scandal, regain the public’s trust and refocus on the education of our children. I will use my experience as an educator to advocate for a common sense allocation of resources that provides for excellence and achievement in the classroom while remaining cognizant of costs and expenditures and their impact on taxpayers.

6. What motivated you to run this year?

I no longer wanted to be a spectator while the very foundation of the Toms River Regional School system is in jeopardy.  I am committed to working with all members of the school community on a shared vision of excellence.  It is time to rebuild and stand together for our children as well as the taxpayer. 

7. How do you plan to serve the board and the residents of Toms River Regional School District in a meaningful way? 

I plan on working with all stakeholders, not accepting the status quo.  The school board needs new leaders with independent views that are willing to listen to all members of the community.   I will bring my twenty years of experience as a parent volunteer, teacher, coach, supervisor and director to the table. 

8. Anything to add?

I want the taxpayer to know that I have a vested interest in this community.     I believe it is necessary to maintain the level of resources necessary to provide our children with the finest educational possible and when elected to the Board will work to reduce costs in an effort to stabilize the tax rate. 

Here are the links to the other candidate profiles:

• 
• 
• 
• 
•