Meet Susanne Jardinella (Sue)

RE-ELECT the current Board of Education President!

Knowledge and Experience. Building Tomorrow, Together.

“Our schools have embraced a mindset focused on continuous improvement, thanks to the commitment and professionalism of our staff…”

Meet Sue…

Leadership and Progress in Tewksbury Schools

As a two-term member and current president of the Tewksbury school board, I am proud of the significant accomplishments we have achieved during my tenure. Our schools have embraced a mindset focused on continuous improvement, thanks to the commitment and professionalism of our staff, which includes the Hunterdon County Superintendent of the Year. We have launched impactful programs such as LEADS, a leadership development initiative that emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, communication, and collaboration among students.  Our efforts to connect with the community have been fruitful. We invited the Tewksbury First Aid squad into our schools to impart essential emergency management skills to students, and our students had the opportunity to participate in the Hunterdon County 9-11 memorial service. Through prudent fiscal management, we also succeeded in preventing an increase in the tax levy, despite facing historically high inflation in costs.

Current Challenges and Future Goals

While we have made considerable progress, there is still much work to be done. We are riding a wave of unprecedented momentum, but several challenges lie ahead. Teacher contracts are up for renewal. The outcome of our bond referendum, inherited from the prior board leadership, is pending. Safety and security remain a primary concern. Shifting demographics makes planning uncertain. Our students continue to recover from the learning loss caused by COVID-19. Inflationary pressure on our finances persist. These challenges affect our staff, parents, community, and, most importantly, our students.

Personal Background

I was born and raised in NJ and graduated from Ramapo College. My husband and I met during his final year at West Point and together we have lived in several states, both as an Army family and in pursuit of other opportunities. In 2014, after spending several years near San Francisco, we decided to make Tewksbury our permanent home, drawn by its people, way of life, and suitability as a place to raise our two children.  My daughter, a Voorhees graduate, now manages a laboratory at Houston Methodist and lives near Galveston, TX, with her husband, a US Coast Guardsman, and my two grandchildren. I am especially grateful that she has been cancer-free for two years. My son, currently a sophomore at Voorhees, attended Tewksbury schools from kindergarten through graduation. He faced a challenging surgery early in his time at TES, which gave us firsthand experience with the support available for children with special needs.I manage operations for a local company, overseeing warehouse management, shipping, billing, and invoicing.  Community service is a core value for me, and I strive to make a meaningful impact through volunteering. My experience includes coaching junior and high school soccer teams, serving as a substitute teacher, and chairing the cub scout committee for Oldwick Pack 199. I also enjoy traveling, scuba diving, and sailing, and am a devoted pet parent to Yuma, a retired military working dog whose lively spirit continues to enrich our lives.

Commitment to Our Schools and Community

I am dedicated to continuing my leadership and service because I firmly believe that our schools are the greatest assets for Tewksbury residents. While their primary mission is to educate our children, our schools are a vital centerpiece for our community.

My priorities and values include:

  • Partnering with parents, teachers, and students to prioritize the well-being of students above all else.
  • Fostering a safe and supportive environment where every child feels secure and can mature at   their own pace.
  • Nurturing our children to become productive members of our community.
  • Ensuring transparency in curriculum, culture, and values.
  • Respecting the rights and values of families, so our schools remain places of learning.
  • Maximizing the return on our tax investment by remaining frugal and focused on our educational mission.