Ocean City School Board Election 2025: Jennifer Cawley-Black

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Election Day is Nov. 4, and voters will have their say on New Jersey's next governor. But in Ocean City, residents will also vote on school board and county elections.

Ahead of the 2025 election, Patch will be publishing profiles on local candidates. Here's what Board of Education candidate Jennifer Cawley-Black had to say.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 4 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com.

Name: Jennifer Cawley-Black
Age: 47
Education: graduated from Rowan University with a masters degree in Counseling in Educational Settings
Occupation: My husband and I own DiPaolo’s Red Lion Inn a 102 year old Italian restaurant and are commercial landlords but my most important job is stay at home mom.
Experience: I completed my internship at the middle school level in Southampton NJ and later worked as a career counselor at Camden County Community College. I had the unique opportunity to join my Rowan department head in Beijing, China, where we co-led the first counseling seminar at Beijing Normal University.
Now as a stay-at-home mom, I continue to apply my counseling background in everyday life. I am an active member of the Ocean City community, volunteering with the OCNJ Pink Hair Movement since its founding and serving with the Ocean City PTA.
Family: My husband, Stephen and I have been married for 22 years and have two beautiful children: Max in seventh grade and Zoë in sixth grade at Ocean City Intermediate School.

What drove you to seek public office?

As my children grow, I want to remain actively engaged in their education and help ensure that they, their friends, and every child I’ve met while volunteering in our schools continue to have access to the excellent education that brought my family to Ocean City. I also believe it is my civic duty to give back to the community—because when our children succeed, our community thrives.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I believe my background in counseling enables me to listen with empathy and understand a wide range of perspectives and enhance collaboration. I can help bridge differences and foster unity, whether between parents and board members or among board members themselves. Having experience in both the K–12 and college levels I’ve seen how a strong K–12 foundation empowers students to thrive in college, equipping them with the skills and confidence to build successful, fulfilling lives.

What is the most pressing issue facing the Ocean City School District?

With statistical forecasts showing a decline in student enrollment, I will work closely with families, educators, and community partners to preserve access to vital resources for all students while collaboratively developing innovative programs that keep our schools strong and thriving, enticing more families to choose Ocean City as a place to raise their children and more choice students to enroll in our district.

If elected, what will your top priority be?

In addition to promoting programs that encourage higher student enrollment, I’m committed to fostering the health, safety, and emotional well-being of every student—ensuring all children feel supported, valued, and empowered to learn and grow in our schools.

What is your favorite thing about living in Ocean City?

My favorite thing about living in Ocean City is being part of such a beautiful, vibrant community. My children have found happiness and success in the Ocean City school district and as a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than that! And of course, it’s a special bonus to be able to hear the ocean waves from my front porch as I sit and look up at the stars in the night sky.