Board appoints Dr. Matthew Patterson as Bethel Park superintendent on five‑year contract

The Bethel Park School District board unanimously approved an addendum to the personnel agenda to elect Dr. Matthew Patterson as superintendent under section 10‑73 of the Public School Code. The motion and roll call were completed at the meeting; the board’s recorded vote was unanimous in favor (7–0).

The personnel language presented to the board read, in part, that the board ‘‘hereby approves and elects... Dr. Matthew Patterson as superintendent for the Bethel Park School District at a salary of $200,000 with terms and conditions negotiated between Dr. Patterson and the board of school directors effective for a term of five years beginning immediately upon his release from his current employer.’’ The board then performed a roll call vote that was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Dr. Patterson, who was identified in the personnel language and was present in the audience, addressed the board and said he appreciated the rigor and transparency of the interview process and was ‘‘so honored to be a part of your team.’’ He thanked board members, staff and his family for the opportunity and said he looked forward to supporting the district’s ongoing projects and plans.

The motion took effect on the date of the meeting; administration indicated terms and conditions will be finalized through negotiated paperwork and the superintendent’s start date will follow his release from his previous employer.

The board’s action and Dr. Patterson’s remarks concluded the personnel addendum; trustees and community members offered congratulations and thanks to retiring staff later in the meeting.