Passaic City Council honors local educators, police leader during Women’s History Month

Passaic City Council on March 17 paused its regular agenda to recognize four local women for Women’s History Month, issuing proclamations and hearing acceptance remarks from each honoree.

Councilwoman Tanya Mello and Councilwoman Maritza Colón Gutiérrez led the ceremony, reading proclamations that highlighted decades of local service in schools, nonprofit programs and public safety. The council formally recognized Dr. Sandra Montañez de O'Dinet for her leadership in public education and authorship of a children’s book; Jennifer Barker for her work as principal of Passaic High School; Dr. Elise Bourne Busby for long-term contributions to literacy and school leadership; and Captain Claudia Sofía Aguirre Cruz as the city’s first female police captain.

The recognitions placed the work of each honoree in a community context: the text of the proclamations noted ties to Passaic Public Schools, local nonprofit leadership and programs serving students and families. Dr. Montañez referenced her upbringing in the city and encouraged children to pursue higher education. Barker thanked family and community for support; Dr. Busby spoke about Passaic’s multicultural character; and Captain Aguirre Cruz described her career in the Passaic Police Department and her role overseeing school resource officers.

Mayor Hector C. Lora and council members attended and spoke in support of the honorees, and the mayor highlighted the city youth council’s recent 'Love Your Lungs' anti-vaping campaign. The council recessed for 10 minutes after the ceremony and then resumed its regular business agenda.

The ceremony did not include formal policy action; it was a ceremonial recognition of individual service and community leadership. The council’s proclamations recommended ongoing support for youth programs and community partnerships that the honorees have led or influenced.