Montclair Superintendent To Recommend High School Principal

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s superintendent plans to recommend a new high school principal at the board of education meeting on Monday, district officials say.

Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ponds said he will recommend the appointment of Jeffrey Freeman as Montclair High School principal.

Freeman is currently principal at Edgemont Montessori School. He will assume his new role when the leadership transition at Edgemont is underway, officials said.

The district is working closely with Freeman and the Edgemont PTA on a transition plan, officials added.

Eileen Gilbert, who has been in the district since 1994 and assistant principal at the high school for 10 years, will be acting principal until Freeman begins his tenure.

“I’m looking forward to working with district leadership and the Montclair High School community to ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in daily, rigorous learning experiences that result in the highest level of social, emotional and academic success,” Freeman said.

The educator is no stranger to the Montclair Public School District community. He began his career at Montclair High School in 1999 teaching English, before becoming the lead teacher for the Center for Social Justice Small Learning Community in 2013.

In July 2018, he was appointed assistant principal at Montclair High School, and three months later, was promoted to principal at Edgemont.

Freeman earned his bachelor of arts from Montclair State University in English/secondary education and a master of science in educational administration from the University of Scranton.

“We are very fortunate to have someone as talented and experienced as Mr. Freeman already in the district who can take on such a key position,” Ponds said. “We are confident that his deep understanding of the district will combine with an unquestionably fresh perspective to lead the high school’s team of talented educators to new heights.”

“It is clear that Mr. Freeman’s work will be student-centered and he will bring the families, staff and community together to promote high academic achievement, build a respectful social emotional climate, ensure equity for all, and create a safe and welcoming environment where all kids can learn and all kids feel special,” Ponds added.

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