Montclair Mourns: Jonathan Ponds, Superintendent, Passes Away

22 May, 2025

Did you know that the Montclair community is currently grappling with the unexpected loss of a leader who significantly shaped their children's education? Jonathan Ponds, the Superintendent of Montclair Public Schools, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 12th, leaving a void felt deeply throughout the township.

The news of Dr. Ponds' passing on Friday morning cast a shadow over Montclair. Damen Cooper, the Director of Secondary Education, communicated the sorrowful news to families, a message that echoed the heavy hearts of the entire community. "It is with a sad and heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden passing of Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds," the message conveyed.

The community gathered to pay their respects and remember Dr. Ponds at Paul Baptist Church on Friday morning. The service served as a tribute to his life and legacy. Members of the Montclair High School football team, along with representatives from the Montclair Police Department and the Moonachie Police Department, stood outside the church, demonstrating the widespread impact and respect Dr. Ponds had garnered. The atmosphere was one of shared grief and remembrance, as people filed in to honor the late superintendent.

Category	Details
Full Name	Jonathan Ponds, Ed.D.
Date of Death	July 12, 2024
Place of Death	Montclair, New Jersey
Profession	Educator and School Superintendent
Previous Positions	Principal at Parsons Elementary School (North Brunswick), Superintendent and Principal in Moonachie, NJ
Impact	Dedicated Educator; Left a Lasting Impact on the Community
Community Response	Mourning the loss; Appreciated for his leadership and vision; Condolences to the family
Legacy	Remembered for moving Montclair Public Schools closer to becoming a more excellent, stable school system
Gofundme	Support the Family of Dr. Jonathan Ponds
Reference website	nj.com

The Montclair community is now united in mourning the sudden loss of Dr. Jonathan Ponds, a man remembered as a dedicated educator and leader. His impact on the community was profound, and his passing has left a noticeable void. The Montclair Board of Education expressed its deep sorrow upon announcing the unexpected death, reflecting the collective grief felt by the town.

District officials emphasized Dr. Ponds positive influence. Numerous individuals and organizations, including the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), have expressed their sadness and highlighted their fortunate experiences of working with him. They spoke of the key initiatives undertaken to improve student experiences within the district, initiatives that will continue to benefit students in the future.

Tessie Thomas of Montclair initiated a fundraiser that was shared across social media by the township's PTA groups, and the community responded generously. As of Friday afternoon, the fundraiser had collected over $60,000 towards a $150,000 goal, demonstrating the communitys desire to support Dr. Ponds' family during this difficult time.

A tribute service was held Friday in his honor, at which the community gathered to remember his contributions and to pay their respects. The service provided a space for people to come together, to share memories, and to acknowledge the indelible mark Dr. Ponds left on Montclair.

Dr. Ponds' service extended to various roles. He was principal at Parsons Elementary School in North Brunswick from 2012 to 2015, and he also held superintendent and principal positions in Moonachie. Prior to his appointment in Montclair, he commenced his service in Moonachie on July 1, 2020, with his contract scheduled to extend through June 30, 2025.

In the face of unexpected challenges, the Board of Education remained committed to the search for a permanent superintendent, as announced in the fall of 2019. Damen Cooper, the district's Director of Secondary Education, is now ready to take on a key role in the transition.

The Montclair Public Schools announced the news of Dr. Jonathan Ponds passing with deep sadness. A message posted on the district website stated that the district is mourning the passing of Dr. Ponds. His vision to propel the district to new heights was shared by the board, who are eager to continue the work established in the strategic planning process.

The community is filled with gratitude for the family of Dr. Ponds, who lent him to Montclair for a period that, although short, was impactful. He significantly contributed to moving Montclair Public Schools towards a more excellent and stable school system. The legacy of his work will remain a blessing to his family, and the community holds them in its thoughts during this challenging period.

Jonathan Ponds, the Superintendent for Montclair Public Schools, was a figure of respect within the community. His sudden passing on Friday, July 12th, was a shock. As a longtime resident and member of the Montclair community, many expressed their gratitude for his leadership. The community's focus now is on honoring his memory and supporting his family.

The news of Dr. Ponds' passing was met with shock and sorrow throughout Montclair. The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) was among those who expressed their deep sadness. They emphasized the collaborative work they shared with the superintendent on many initiatives, which positively impacted the students experience. The MFEE is committed to ensuring his legacy continues to thrive.

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