Howell Schools Welcome New Principal, Vice Principal To District

HOWELL, NJ – Come September, students at Ardena Elementary School and Taunton School in Howell will recognize familiar faces stepping into new positions. The Howell Board of Education approved two candidates for the role of Ardena Elementary School Principal and Taunton School Vice Principal during a June 17 meeting.

Kathleen Mignoli, the current vice principal of Ardena Elementary, will fill the role of principal, while current Itinerant Instructional Coach Terri Cooney will assume the new vice principal title at Taunton School. The official transfer of positions will be effective September 1.

“Having served as the Vice Principal of Ardena School for the past 6 years, I know our school community well,” Mignoli told Patch. “What I look forward to most is the opportunity to continue to work with this community that I love, made up of our students, families, and staff.”

The incoming principal has called Ardena a "very special place" since she first stepped into the building in 2014. “As Principal, I am excited to work with all stakeholders to build upon the strong foundation that exists in our school,” Mignoli said.

Cooney also expressed her enthusiasm as she transitions into her new role, telling Patch that she is “extremely excited and grateful” to begin her duties.

“I am looking forward to continuing my partnership with the exceptional staff and dedicated parents of Taunton School,” the incoming vice principal told Patch. “Most of all, I look forward to supporting the students and being a part of the outstanding Taunton School community.”