Guided by the principle of “Preparing All Children for College and Career,” the Paterson Public School District is working to draw out the true potential within every student to become life-long learners and 21st century leaders in their communities, their nation, and the world. With more than 40 languages spoken in its classrooms, the Paterson Public School District is among the most diverse in the state. The current student enrollment is approximately 26,000, in 60+ schools.  Paterson is the third largest school district in New Jersey.

With the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in place, all Paterson students are eligible to receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack at no cost to them. The district provides special education services for 3,925 students and bilingual/ESL services for 4,827 English Language Learners (ELL). 

The student population in the Paterson Public Schools mirrors the trend of urban communities across the nation and in New Jersey. About 66.9 percent of its students are of Hispanic origin, 22.2 percent are African American, 5.6 percent are of Asian descent, and 5.0 percent are Caucasian. Nearly 57 percent of all students in Paterson speak a primary language other than English. The rich diversity in the district is an educational asset. It enables students to learn firsthand about other cultures and, develop an appreciation for cultural similarities and differences as they prepare for success in a multicultural world.
Since 2009, the Paterson Public School District has been engaged in a major effort to improve student achievement at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Recently, the district embarked on several groundbreaking initiatives to provide more opportunities for students to achieve academic excellence. Among those initiatives are the instituting of an International Baccalaureate program, a campaign to combat chronic absenteeism, and an aggressive K-5 reading program.

The Board of Education is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of superintendent of schools to commence on or around December 1, 2022. This initial announcement will be supplemented by a Leadership Profile that will consist of expected characteristics, required qualifications, and experience. The Leadership Profile is being developed by the Board for posting on or about August 22, 2022.

Minimally, applicants must have multiple-year, successful, executive-level, educational leadership experience in an organization of comparable complexity, size, and scope. Experience in communities with similar educational values, expectations and demographics is highly desirable. Candidates must possess or be immediately eligible for a New Jersey Department of Education School Administrator Certificate or a letter of eligibility.

A multi-year contract will be offered with a salary in the range of $285,000 per annum subject to negotiation based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

View District Site

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 14, 2022