Living and Leaving a Legacy
By Donna Braun, CLEE Executive Director
It is with the saddest of hearts that we share news that CLEE Board Director, Dr. Jonathan Ponds, passed away. Dr. Ponds had an incredible impact on thousands of students, educators and families in Massachusetts and New Jersey. He is a beloved husband and father to three amazing sons whom we send our deepest condolences to, as well as the whole Montclair Community.
Jonathan had a tremendous impact on CLEE and me. His wisdom and care came through in so much more than his words. He listened with his whole self – his brilliant mind, his wide-open heart, and as a humble learner. When he spoke, what he shared stayed in your mind for weeks, nudging you to step up, hold tight, let go, or whatever it is you needed in that moment.
Dr. Ponds is known for frequently saying, “keep the main thing, the main thing”. I am incredibly fortunate to have met Jonathan as a fellow student in our JWU doctoral program over 15 years ago. Since then, we found a multitude of ways to stay connected in our endeavors to lead for educational equity. We visited each other’s schools when we were school leaders, Jonathan served as a guest instructor in our Principal Residency Network, and most recently, Jonathan served on our CLEE board as one of my board evaluators. I, like so many others, was graced with his brilliance and care as invited me to be braver in “keeping the main thing, the main thing”. That always meant grounding every decision and action in making schools better for students. Every interaction with Jonathan made me stronger in my belief that we adults have the capacity and power to always do better together in our service to the unlimited potential of youth.
Jonathan’s probing questions zapped your heart and mind at the same time, and left you knowing that you had the capacity to make a real difference. We need so much more of this right now. We will miss him beyond words and try our very best to live his legacy in our practice. In honor of our inspiring colleague, we are naming our Fall Meeting Scholarships the Dr. Jonathan Ponds Scholarships. Jonathan once said to me, “shared leadership IS equity” and we hope those who receive the scholarship will carry on Jonathan’s legacy to build communities that really listen to each other, value divergent perspectives, deeply collaborate and always challenge each other to be better for our youth.
Donate to Jonathan’s children’s college fund
Learn more about Jonathan’s life’s work
Learn more about the Dr. Jonathan Ponds Fall Meeting Scholarships
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