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Vernon board appoints Ebony DeMendez as superintendent, effective Aug. 1
Summary
The Vernon Township Board of Education voted to appoint Ebony DeMendez as superintendent, with the employment contract approved by the executive county superintendent; one member recused.
The Vernon Township Board of Education voted June 12 to appoint Ebony DeMendez as superintendent of the Vernon Township School District, with her contract to begin Aug. 1, 2025.
Board President Miss Pallett announced the appointment and said the board "will be voting on the appointment of Ebony DeMendez as the Vernon Township School District superintendent tonight." The resolution read at the meeting says the contract has been approved by the executive county superintendent for Sussex County.
The hiring process included input sessions with stakeholders, a district survey and interviews. During remarks supporting the appointment, a member of the hiring committee said the district received about 30 applicants and the committee "unanimously concluded" DeMendez was the right fit. The committee cited her experience leading pre-K and ESL programs and work as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in West Orange; the board read that she had served as acting superintendent in West Orange and Franklin.
Ebony DeMendez addressed the board and community after the vote, saying, "I am truly honored and humbled at the faith and the trust that you're putting in me to partner with you and leading this district." She said she plans to "immerse myself in the community, to listen to thoughts and ideas and learn about all of the experiences of our community members" before her Aug. 1 start.
The board read a formal resolution appointing DeMendez for the period Aug. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, and authorizing the board president and board secretary to "take all necessary steps to effectuate the terms of this resolution." The resolution also notes the contract had been approved by the executive county superintendent for Sussex County.
During roll call on the motion to appoint, several board members voted in favor and one member, Mister Sweeney, stated he "must recuse myself because the state of New Jersey, ethics commission says that I have a conflict of interest" and did not participate in the vote. After the roll call the chair announced, "Motion carries."
The board held a brief reception following the vote and invited DeMendez to make remarks to the community on camera.
Why it matters: The superintendent oversees districtwide curriculum, budgeting and daily operations. The board’s resolution commits DeMendez to start Aug. 1 under terms approved by the county executive superintendent, making the selection official and enabling transition planning.
