Administration

Mr. Kevin Mason
Principal
e: kmason@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 378-7660, ext. 3001

Mr. Mason is an experienced educator and school leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, educational equity, and developing future leaders. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Morehouse College, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from Montclair State University, and his Principal Certification through the NJEXCEL Leadership Program. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at East Stroudsburg University.

Before entering education, Mr. Mason began his professional career as a Laboratory Scientist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Inspired to make a broader impact, he transitioned into education through Montclair State University's Teacher Recruitment for Urban Schools of Tomorrow (TRUST) Program, where he launched his teaching career in the Newark Public Schools as a mathematics and science educator. He later served as his school's Lead Science Teacher and facilitated district-wide professional development for fellow educators.

For the past nineteen years, Mr. Mason has served the South Orange-Maplewood School District in a variety of leadership roles, including sixth-grade mathematics and science teacher at Maplewood Middle School, Assistant Principal at Tuscan Elementary School, Assistant Principal at Columbia High School, and Principal of South Mountain Elementary School and South Mountain Annex. In addition to his K–12 leadership, Mr. Mason is an Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Madison Campus and serves as a Site Supervisor for student teachers through Drew University's Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, where he mentors aspiring educators as they enter the profession.

Mr. Louis Brown
Assistant Principal
e: lbrown@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 378-7660, ext. 3007

Assistant Principal Louis E. Brown has been working in the South Orange Maplewood School District since September 1990. Previously, Mr. Brown attended Teachers College Columbia University where he earned his MA in the Teaching of Social Studies.  Mr. Brown taught in the Social Studies department from 1990 until 1996.  In addition to being the social studies teacher in the Alternative Program for the at-risk population, Mr. Brown taught Economics, Sociology, US History, and AP US History.   Concurrent to his teaching, Mr. Brown successfully coached the Columbia High School swim team to 2 conference championships in the co-ed division.

In 1996, Mr. Brown became Dean of Students.  He served in this capacity until September of 2000 when he left SOMSD to become Middle School Principal of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union.  In September of 2002, Mr. Brown returned to the social studies classroom at Columbia High School until returning to the position of Dean of Students the following school year.  In March of 2006, after completing his MA in Administration at Montclair State University, Mr. Brown became Assistant Principal of Maplewood Middle School.

Ms. Lavonne Wallace
Assistant Principal
e: lwallace@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 378-7660, ext. 3008

Mrs. LaVonne Wallace serves as the Assistant Principal of Maplewood Middle School. Prior to joining MMS, she served as Assistant Principal at Clinton Elementary School. Earlier in her career, she was an elementary Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach in the New Brunswick Public Schools district, as well as a middle school Literacy Interventionist and English Language Arts teacher at Franklin Middle School in Somerset, New Jersey.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Wallace has remained committed to advancing student literacy and academic achievement. Her expertise in culturally responsive teaching practices has enabled her to effectively support diverse student populations while empowering educators to create equitable, inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Mrs. Wallace's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to educational excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including being named the 2023–2024 Educational Support Professional of the Year. As a lifelong learner and educational leader, she is passionate about inspiring students to develop the character, leadership skills, and confidence needed to make meaningful contributions to their school, their community, and beyond.