Ocean City School Board Election 2025: Kevin Barnes

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 Kevin Barnes 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: Kevin Barnes

Age: 66

Education: Bachelors in Accounting from Widener University, a Juris Doctorate from The Delaware Law School, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Temple University School of Law.

Occupation: Attorney at Law with a private practice located in Ocean City. I am also and Adjunct Professor of Business Law and of Economics at local colleges.

Experience: I am completing my first term as a member of the Ocean City Board of Education. During my first year, I successfully completed the education and attendance requirements necessary to attain the Certified New Board Member designation established by the New Jersey School Boards Association. I am the only first-term member of the current board to achieve this award. I was also elected as Vice President of the Cape May County School Board Association and I was recently reelected as Vice President. At the start of my second year, I was elected to serve as President of the Ocean City Board of Education, and I was reelected as President this, my third year, by the unanimous vote of the board. I have served on the Curriculum, Policy, Health & Wellness, and Negotiation committees.

Family: I am a life-long resident of Ocean City and my wife and I have two daughters currently attending our schools. I also have many extended family members who have attended our schools.

What drove you to seek public office?:

The success and well-being of my daughters is the driving influence in my decision to run for school board. Additionally, as a native of Ocean City, a proud graduate of Ocean City High School, and the father of two future alumni, I have a vested interest in the success of the Ocean City School District. I firmly believe that the success of a local community is dependent upon the success of a local school district.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

My approach to board service is rooted in fairness, logic, and collaboration. I truly believe that board members must confine board action to policymaking, planning, and appraisal. We are not on the board to run the schools but to see that they are well run. We must exercise independent judgment and not surrender to the special interest or partisan political groups. We must support and protect school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. The school board, parents, teachers, and administrators must continue to work together on a curriculum that is effective and age appropriate. I am very proud to be a part of the growth and excellence of our students and local community.

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

We must continue to operate as a high performing school district while faced with declining
enrollment. We must and will continue to offer an exceptional educational experience while making the best, most efficient, use of our tax dollars and facilities.

If re-elected, what will your top priority be?

I will continue to serve as a passionate advocate for all parents and students. I will continue to think independently and not succumb to outside political rhetoric. Our focus will be solely on local community values and the academic excellence and well-being of our children. I will continue working to ensure that our schools remain safe, academically rigorous, and fiscally responsible.

What is your favorite thing about living in Ocean City?

I love the strong sense of community and shore identity. Additionally, I love the outdoors and we have the perfect blend of ocean and bay activities together with hiking and camping activities a short drive away. I particularly enjoy open-water swimming!