Paterson residents will see the district’s top administrator earning more than $300,000 this year after a contractual pay increase took effect July 1.
City Schools Superintendent Laurie Newell received a 2% raise, amounting to $5,931, that boosted her annual salary to $302,445, according to district records released July 16. The raise was built into her current employment contract, which runs through June 30, 2027.
What changed and why it matters
The raise places Newell among the top-paid public school superintendents in New Jersey. It arrives as the Paterson Board of Education undertakes controversial district changes, including a proposal advanced by Newell to eliminate the city’s four choice elementary schools. That plan drew board split: six of nine members supported the proposal, while three — Alex Mendez Jr., Ken Simmons and Corey Teague — did not.
Board pay decisions affect the district budget and priorities. On July 13, the board approved raises for eight other senior officials. Board President Joel Ramirez characterized the adjustments as contractual and consistent with what other districts pay for similar roles.
“These are contractual in nature and in line with raises given in other districts for similar positions,” said Paterson Board of Education President Joel Ramirez.
Who received raises
Along with Newell’s increase, the board approved 3% salary hikes for eight top-ranking district officials. The approved new annual salaries are listed below.
| Position | New Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Deputy Superintendent Rodney Henderson | $245,864 |
| Assistant Superintendent Luis Rojas | $229,609 |
| Business Administrator June Gray | $229,048 |
| Assistant Superintendent Cicely Warren | $220,519 |
| Assistant Superintendent David Cozart | $219,496 |
| Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Coy | $209,563 |
| Assistant Superintendent Joanna Tsimpedes | $208,363 |
| Assistant Superintendent Nahed Badawy | $185,763 |
Local context and oversight
The district did not provide a response from Newell when asked about the raises. The board’s actions underscore two ongoing issues for Paterson residents: the fiscal choices the district makes for leadership compensation and the broader policy debate over school organization. With Newell’s contract expiring in mid-2027, the board has not yet publicly discussed whether it will offer her a new contract.
- Newell’s salary after the raise: $302,445.
- Contract expiration date: June 30, 2027.
- Board vote on school consolidation plan: 6 of 9 members supported the superintendent’s proposal.
For Paterson taxpayers, questions now center on how these salary increases will be reflected in the district’s budget and whether the board will open public discussion about future contracts and the district reorganization plans. The board meets periodically; residents seeking updates can consult official board notices for meeting agendas and opportunities for public comment.
