Paterson schools lose a top exec to Ridgewood for higher salary

PATERSON — The city’s school business administrator, Richard Matthews, has resigned to take the same position in Ridgewood at a higher salary.

Matthews, who has been the city’s school business administrator since 2017, would have been making $212,990 in Paterson this year. His salary in Ridgewood will be $221,400, under a resolution approved by that town’s Board of Education last week.

The Ridgewood district has about 5,500 students with an operating budget of about $108 million in 2022-23, compared to 24,750 students in Paterson and a budget of $778 million last year.

Paterson Superintendent Laurie Newell issued a statement saying Matthews’ last day of work in the Silk City will be Sept. 20.

Story continues below photo gallery

“While we are saddened to see Mr. Matthews leave, we respect his decision and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Newell said. “We will embark on the process of identifying and appointing a highly qualified successor who will continue to uphold the fiscal integrity and strategic financial planning necessary for the success of our students and staff.”

Matthews and Ridgewood superintendent worked together before

Matthews declined discussing his departure from Paterson, saying a family member is ill. In Ridgewood, he will rejoin that district’s superintendent, Mark Schwartz.

Matthews had worked for Schwartz when the latter was superintendent in Rockaway Borough during the 2016-17 academic year and Matthews was business administrator there.

Paterson board members said they were surprised by Matthews’ resignation and wished him well in his new job. Board president Manny Martinez said the district would do an extensive search.

“Fortunately, we have some very experienced and qualified internal folks in our business office who can hold down the fort,” Martinez said.

Vice president Kenneth Simmons said finding someone who can handle the Paterson position will be difficult.

“The pickings are very slim" when it comes to business administrators, Simmons said.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson schools lose a top exec to Ridgewood for higher salary