Montclair Public Schools today announced that Ron 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.
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.“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,” said Anello. “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.”
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.
“Ron Anello is exactly the right person to continue building on the success of Montclair’s athletic programs both on and off the field,” said Superintendent Jonathan C. Ponds. “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.”
Anello assumes the Interim Athletic Director position on December 1. The search for a permanent Athletic Director, which will engage stakeholders across the school community, will begin later in the school year.