Joe Nardini has been a staple in the Toms River business community since he moved here from Bayonne in 1973. That was the year he and his business partner started Gilligan & Nardini Electric, Inc. Over the past 45 years, Joe has worked on all types of construction projects, which have given him a broad knowledge of the construction industry. He has parlayed this knowledge into his tenure on the Board of Education by serving as the chairperson of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, following suit with his true passion for all things business and construction. In 1974, he married his wife, Kathy, and has since been blessed with three children and eight grandchildren, all of whom attend or will attend Toms River schools. His other business ventures have included a banana boat ride business, an upscale restaurant, and being part owner of Bacchus Winery and a Gold’s Gym. He credits each of these businesses as wonderful learning experiences that have provided opportunities to expand his network of family and friends. 

Jennifer Howe is the mother of six children—three boys and three girls—with the oldest a proud High School South graduate (Class of 2018) and the rest currently students in the district. She feels extremely fortunate to be able to raise her children from home, and admits it’s a full-time job.

But motherhood has not halted her educational journey. Jennifer is currently a student at Kean University studying education and history, the latter a lifelong passion; she plans to teach high school history when she attains her degree. Born and raised in Freehold, NJ, Jennifer graduated from high school in Ohio, and then went to work in travel before landing “the coolest job” working for the renowned sports agency IMG.

New Jersey called her back, however, and when she returned she worked for Outback as a server and a manager. Jennifer is married to Christopher Howe—a High School North graduate, lineman for First Energy, and reservist in the USAF—and they raise their family in Toms River. Jennifer is very passionate about the community; she has served as a member of the PTA in Seaside Park (TRRS has been a receiving district for their students for more than a decade), and she volunteers at district schools, within her local church, and at Ocean County College.

Jennifer’s hobbies include running—she has completed three half-marathons—reading, driving around the country with her family, spending time at the beach, playing competitive volleyball, and being an avid (or, as she describes it, “crazy”) sports fan.

Jennifer is excited about her position on the board, and looks forward to serving the community for the next three years. 

Bio coming soon!

Kevin Kidney is a resident of Pine Beach since 2010. He’s been married for 10 years to his wife Danielle, who serves as executive director of the Brick Chamber of Commerce. Together, they have two children—a daughter who attends Pine Beach Elementary and a son who is looking forward to joining his big sister at PBE in a couple of years.

Kevin has taught eighth-grade civics, world history, and financial literacy in Brick Township schools since 2004. He graduated Monsignor Donovan, Class of ’99, and holds a bachelor of arts- history and secondary education from Georgian Court University, where he graduated in 2003. He also holds a masters of arts- school leadership/administration from GCU, earned in 2009.

Kevin serves as a volunteer with the Pine Beach Fire Department, and his hobbies include curling, cooking, golf, theatre, and reading.

Anna Polozzo is a longtime resident of South Toms River, where she lives with her husband Frank-- a 1985 graduate of Toms River High School South-- and their two children who attend Toms River Schools, one at Intermediate South and the other at High School South. Anna has always been involved in the community and focused on its children.

Over the years she has worked in various volunteer roles including with the Girl Scouts as a cookie mom and leader; as a PTO mom at her children’s schools (serving programs and fundraising, and as volunteer coordinator and president); soccer coach; recreation commission volunteer; and serving as the South Toms River Mayor’s Office’s liaison to the Toms River Regional Schools Board of Education. Anna and her family belong to the St. Barnabas RCC Parish community, where she also serves as a CCD teacher.

Anna describes her role helping the children of her community to learn and grow as “extremely rewarding,” and making time to do so has been a longtime priority. When she is not working with her family at her brother-in-law’s business, caring for family, or volunteering, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband and children, and reading. As a Toms River School Board member, she looks forward to doing her very best for the schools and this community.

James Capone is a successful restaurateur, and his business—Capone’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta—is an institution in downtown Toms River.

James is a longtime Toms River resident and a 1996 graduate of High School East. Immediately following graduation, James started Capone’s, where he proudly serves lunch to High School South students daily. As a successful business owner, he plays a crucial rule in the revitalization of Downtown Toms River, and has done so for the past 27 years.

In 2003, James married Kristin, who also graduated from Toms River Regional Schools. James and Kristin have two talented daughters, Gianna and Gabriella, who both currently attend school in the district.

As a Toms River Regional Schools board member, James will focus on making positive decisions for students, teachers, and all members of the district, and in doing so, through hard work and generosity, will continue serving the vast Toms River community.  

Paola Pascarella is a working mother of twin 9-year-old girls who attend North Dover Elementary School. She has worked in the veterinary field for the past 18 years, and has lived in the Toms River area since 2000. Her husband is a local attorney who has practiced law in the Toms River area for the past 43 years.

Paola was born in Lima, Peru. She is bilingual and a naturalized citizen whose interests include travel, fitness, and being involved in the education and future of her children. As an animal activist, Paola is also involved in animal welfare causes.