New Principal Named For Bradford Elementary School In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A new principal has been recommended for Bradford Elementary School in Montclair, officials announced.

Frances Aboushi is expected to get a recommendation for her appointment from Superintendent Jonathan Ponds at the May 5 meeting of the Board of Education, according to a news release from the Montclair Public School District.

Aboushi, currently assistant principal at Glenfield Middle School, is expected to begin transitioning to her new role on May 6. An interim assistant principal to replace her at Glenfield will be announced in the upcoming week, district administrators said.

“I look forward to developing collaborative relationships with everyone in the Bradford community, supporting staff and students in reaching their greatest potential, strengthening connections between school and home, and fostering a positive school culture,” Aboushi said.

According to district administrators:

“Aboushi brings 19 years of private and public school education to the Bradford community. She began her career teaching history at a private school in Hudson County. After 13 years of instruction, she brought her talents to Glenfield’s social studies department, where she created and taught a course called, ‘Human Rights and Violations.’ As an instructor, her goal was to empower students to identify themselves as change agents in today’s society. She was also selected to participate in the ‘Undoing Racism’ workshop series. These among other professional training opportunities motivated her to create her own staff and parent workshops titled, ‘Cultural Responsiveness and Sensitivity’ and ‘How to Talk to Your Kids About Race.’ When Aboushi was promoted to assistant principal in September 2019, she worked in tandem with her principal and colleagues to improve culture and climate among the staff and analyze data to improve academic and social emotional progress. In her time at Glenfield, she built strong community partnerships with the Wally Choice Community Center and Toni’s Kitchen.”

District officials continued:

“Aboushi began her education with a bachelor’s degree in history from City College, CUNY, earned a master’s degree in history from Rutgers, a second master’s in educational leadership from Montclair State University, and in June will begin her doctoral program at Seton Hall University in educational leadership, management and policy. She also holds an administrator/supervisor certification.”

“She knows how to bring teams of teachers, parents and community partners together to achieve school goals,” Ponds said. “This was evident during the interview process and will serve her well at Bradford.”

District officials also commended Marcos Vargas for leading Bradford Elementary School as interim principal.

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