Tribute service scheduled for Montclair superintendent of schools

Montclair Public School officials have announced a memorial tribute service planned for the district superintendent following his death last week.

The ceremony for Dr. Jonathan Ponds will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday at St. Paul's Baptist Church on Elm Street, the district announced on its website. The service will also be livestreamed on the church's website at www.stpaullive.org.

Parking will be available in the Charles H. Bullock School parking lot. Montclair school officials are providing two buses at approximately 10:30 a.m. to bring mourners to the service on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We continue to mourn the passing of Dr. Ponds who worked tirelessly to serve the students and families of the Montclair Public Schools," the district's statement read. "He will live forever in our minds and hearts and his legacy will continue."

The service will be followed by a private repast for the family before Ponds is brought to his final resting place in Alabama, the district announced.

Ponds, who died Friday morning, had been superintendent of Montclair schools since 2020. He previously served in the same role in Moonachie for five years and was principal of Parsons Elementary School in North Brunswick from 2012 to 2015.

Ponds' family requested that any expressions of sympathy be sent to the Montclair Public School Central Office/Superintendent's Office, 22 Valley Road, Montclair.

"Your calls, texts and emails expressing your condolences have been shared with Dr. Ponds' family who is grateful for the outpouring of support during this difficult time," the statement read.