Montclair's Outgoing School Superintendent: 'COVID Tested Us All'

MONTCLAIR, NJ — On Tuesday, his last day of work as interim superintendent of the Montclair Public School District, Nathan Parker officially passed the torch to his successor, Jonathan Ponds, adding another chapter to one of the most unusual school years in recent history.

In a message to the school community, Parker, who was appointed to oversee the district while it searched for a permanent superintendent, said the past four months have “tested us all.” He thanked the district’s 1,200 staff members for giving it their all in a challenging environment.

“I suspect there will be much learned about remote instruction that will carry over once things are ‘back to normal,’” Parker commented.

Ponds has been “spending considerable time” getting caught up to speed since the board of education appointed him on May 6, Parker said.

• See related article: Montclair School Board Inks 5-Year Deal With New Superintendent

Parker offered an update on where the district is at – and where it needs to go – in his letter. Read the full text below.

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