Montclair Schools Welcomes New Athletic Director, Ron Anello

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Public School District has a new athletic director: Ron Anello.

Last week, Montclair school administrators announced that Anello has been hired as the district’s interim athletic director.

Anello brings 40 years of experience as an athletic director and coach and is “widely respected across the state,” administrators said.

“Ron Anello is exactly the right person to continue building on the success of Montclair’s athletic programs both on and off the field,” Superintendent Jonathan Ponds said. “He combines outstanding administrative skill with an ability to inspire students to greater heights both academically and as athletes.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him back to Montclair,” Ponds said.

According to the district:

“Anello joined Montclair High School’s football coaching staff in the fall after retiring as Director of Athletics and Activities at Ramapo High School, a position he held from 2011-2021. He previously served as department chair of Physical Education and Health and head football coach in Clifton, where he led the Mustangs to a state championship in 2006. Anello was born and raised in Montclair. He is a 1976 graduate of Montclair High School and began his career there in the early 1980s as a teacher, assistant football coach, and head softball coach. Earlier in his career, Anello served for several years as athletic director at Wallkill Valley Regional High School in Sussex County and as head football coach at West Essex High School. He also taught at both schools, and chaired the physical education department at Wallkill Valley.”

Anello took the reins at his new job on Dec. 1. The search for a permanent athletic director, which will engage stakeholders across the school community, will begin later in the school year, administrators said.

“I never imagined coming back to Montclair after a 40-year career, but it’s a place I love and of course have always had a connection with,” Anello said. “Working with (head football coach) Jermain (Johnson) has been great, and the district saw there was a bigger need I could help with.”

“At the end of the day, it’s always about serving the kids – and that’s why I’m here,” Anello said.

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