Kelly McGowan: Teacher, Mom & Board of Ed President

Born in Oceanport, Kelly McGowan’s childhood years were spent shuffling between Eatontown and Oceanport. McGowan went on to go to school at . At this time, her favorite subject was math.

Keeping Oceanport as her home, McGowan began her teaching career in 1992. “I knew all along that I wanted to be a teacher,” stated McGowan. “I loved student teaching. So, I started substituting.” McGowan currently teaches fourth grade in Rumson.

In 1994, McGowan married a Toms River resident. They started in a little house on the Shrewsbury River in Oceanport. As their family began to grow, with three kids coming into the fold, they eventually moved off the water to a larger house in Oceanport.

As a child, McGowan spent a lot of time on her parents’ sailboat. With crabbing and fishing being a common activity, this self-proclaimed “river rat” enjoys her summers in Oceanport with her family and kids.

Her father and stepmom, and Barbara Bonforte, also live in Oceanport. Even though her mom has moved to Manahawkin, her stepmom and mom actually grew up a block away from each other.

John Bonforte loves to listen to people talk, which led him to become highly interested in the history of Oceanport. Working for a rubber company, McGowan’s dad would bring home mats for the kids to play in the river with.

As a member of the Board of Education in Oceanport for several years, McGowan is currently in her first year as their President. Even though she is a teacher, McGowan explained, “I wear my mommy hat here.”

McGowan wanted to clear up the misconception that the Board of Education runs the schools. “They make sure the schools are run well,” she clarified.

Many committees make up the Board of Education. Budget recommendations come from the school Superintendent. “We don’t receive a lot of state aid and we have to be responsible with the taxpayers’ money,” McGowan stated.

There is also a committee responsible for educational policies, as well as one that helps develop a relationship between the community and the schools. Electronic notices are sent out to keep the parents and other community members informed.

Meeting at the approximately twice a month, this post as President requires more than just the meetings. Somehow, this amazing woman has figured out a way to juggle being a teacher, a mommy and a Board President.

“I believe in Oceanport,” McGowan continued. “The seniors in town are grandparents. The town is close-knit with many generations. At least 90 percent of the residents have touched the lives of the children in town. I also believe in the Oceanport School District. We try to teach life-long skills, so that they can be better adults.”

The amazing thing was when McGowan stated that many of the family’s special events, such as weddings, baptisms and other similar celebrations, have all been celebrated in the same backyard. There was recently a family Graduation Party, celebrating a graduation involving 6 of John’s 11 grandchildren. Giving memories like this to their children appears to have a strong effect on these children wanting to pass along these memories.