Montclair names new full-time superintendent of schools – NorthJersey.com

The Montclair school system is getting a new administrator. The board announced the appointment of a full-time superintendent, Jonathan Ponds, who is transferring to the Essex County hamlet after leading the Moonachie school district.

The school board members came to the unanimous decision at Wednesday’s remote video meeting after considering a pool of 14 applicants, according to an email board members sent to parents Wednesday night.

Board members lauded Pond’s philosophy and approach to education, and pointed to his “exemplary fiscal practices” in Moonachie.

“I have been blessed to be an educator in diverse communities, and I have witnessed the power of diversity excel all children to excellence. I truly believe that diversity is a strength,” Ponds said in a statement to parents.

Montclair’s previous full-time superintendent, Kendra Johnson, served the district from May 2018 to July 2019. But the district has largely relied on interim administrators for nearly five years since former superintendent Penny McCormick stepped down from the position in 2015.

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Nicholas Katzban is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: katzban@northjersey.com Twitter: @nicholaskatzban 

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