On July 1, 2025, Ruth B. Turner officially stepped into her role as Superintendent of Montclair Public Schools. A seasoned educator and social worker with deep roots in public service and equity-focused leadership, Mrs. Turner brings with her a rich professional history and a strong commitment to transparency, inclusion, and student success. We sat down with her to discuss her personal journey, her early assessment of the district, and her vision for Montclair’s schools.
This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
TMP: Welcome, Mrs. Turner. You’ve held many roles in education and social work, but becoming superintendent is a distinct kind of leadership, especially in our town. What experiences, personal or professional, have most shaped your philosophy as an educational leader?
RBT: First, thank you for having me. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to engage with your audience. My motivation begins personally—I’m an immigrant from Eritrea, a small country in East Africa. I came to the U.S. at age six with my parents and four siblings and was raised in the housing projects of New York City. Growing up in poverty, education was emphasized in my household as the key to a better future.
I wasn’t afforded the best education early on, and I realized that when I got to college and saw how unprepared I was compared to my peers. That experience inspired me to improve the educational landscape for others. As a parent of three children who’ve gone through public schools, I always ask myself: Is this decision best for students? Would I want this for my own kids? That guiding principle has served me well.
TMP: And you chose Montclair, which adds another dimension to the work. What drew you to this town and district specifically?
RBT: I like to say Montclair chose me. Previously, I served as Deputy Superintendent in a mid-sized urban district with about 24,000 students. That role prepared me for a superintendency, and my family and I always had an understanding that I would pursue this path once our kids were older.
What really appealed to me about Montclair was the job announcement itself. The leadership characteristics the district sought really spoke to me. It felt like they were describing me. I also spent a lot of time reviewing the district’s strategic plan and talking to colleagues in New Jersey. Montclair’s appreciation for diversity was a huge draw—it made me want to be a part of and serve this community.
TMP: Diving a little deeper—what did the strategic plan and application process reveal to you about Montclair’s challenges and strengths?
RBT: It helped me assess whether my skills aligned with the community’s needs—and I felt they did. I studied the four goal areas in the strategic plan closely, knowing my job wasn’t to change the plan but to help execute it with fidelity. I’ve also encountered tremendous commitment from staff and stakeholders already. People have reached out, offered support, and shown how invested they are in the district.
TMP: Speaking of finances, the “Big Beautiful Bill” in Congress threatens to slash funding for schools and programs many Montclair families rely on. How worried are you about this?
RBT: I’m very concerned. That and understanding our own budget situation keep me up at night. I believe in hope, but we’re also being realistic. I’m in conversations with legislators and other superintendents, exploring advocacy and contingency planning. If federal support disappears, we’ll look to private funders and grants to bridge the gap.
TMP: Let’s talk about equity. Montclair is diverse but not immune to inequality. How do you approach closing opportunity gaps?
RBT: Data is essential—it tells a story. But equity work can make people uncomfortable. Often, people support equity until they feel it affects them personally. I’m committed to providing high-quality education to all students, regardless of background. That may involve difficult conversations, but I’ve felt a strong commitment from Montclair to do this work.
Equity work can make people uncomfortable. Often, people support equity until they feel it affects them personally. I’m committed to providing high-quality education to all students, regardless of background.
Ruth B. Turner, montclair school district superintendant
TMP: On the topic of discomfort—why is it so hard to remove problematic teachers? There’s frustration that some remain in the district despite multiple complaints.
RBT: I can’t speak to specific cases without more information. In general, tenure laws provide job protections, but accountability is critical. I’ll be evaluating our current systems—how we observe, evaluate, and support teachers. I also believe unions want what’s best for students. This has to be a collaborative effort.d process.
TMP: There’s also been frustration over staffing decisions, like the removal of the Hillside assistant principal. How can the district improve transparency?
RBT: There’s a balance between transparency and respecting personnel privacy. We may not be able to disclose specific reasons, but I agree that we should communicate major decisions promptly and clearly whenever possible.
TMP: On infrastructure—Montclair schools closed early in June because of extreme heat. Are the buildings sustainable in a warming climate?
RBT: The solution is upgrading our facilities with air conditioning and other improvements. That takes financial resources and advocacy. I plan to work with other superintendents and state leaders to secure funding and push for long-term infrastructure upgrades.
TMP: That ties into the $188 million bond referendum. How are contractors chosen and held accountable, especially with climate in mind?
RBT: My understanding is that there’s a formal bid process. In my previous district, I oversaw a $475 million modernization plan, so I bring that experience with me. I’ve already started meeting with contractors and our business administrator to assess progress and priorities.
TMP: There’s been a petition for a forensic audit and a lot of concern over the $2.5 million budget gap. What’s your approach?
RBT: It’s a top priority. Our interim business administrator and I are working closely to understand where we stand. Once we have a concrete assessment, we’ll share it with the board and the public. Again, I believe in transparency.
TMP: Final question: What’s a story or moment from your past that continues to motivate you?
RBT: One of the most meaningful efforts I’ve led is building authentic student voice and agency. In my previous district, we created a Student Leadership Council with reps from nine high schools. We met monthly—not just to hear complaints, but to co-create solutions. Seeing students evolve from feeling unheard to realizing they can shape their schools—that moves me deeply. It’s work I’m proud of and hope to continue in Montclair.
Get to Know Superintendent Ruth B. Turner
As Mrs. Turner begins this new chapter in Montclair, she’s eager to connect with the community. You’re invited to attend one of her upcoming “Listen and Learn” sessions:
Wednesday, July 9 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Watchung Elementary School Auditorium | 14 Garden Street, Montclair
Tuesday, July 29 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Virtual via WEBEX → tinyurl.com/ycx47vh9
Thursday, August 14 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Montclair High School, George Inness Annex Atrium | 141 Park Street, Montclair
Join the conversation, share your questions, and help shape the future of Montclair Public Schools.
