Mr. Fletcher Retires after 17 Years at River Dell

by Audrey Gang

Superintendent Mr. Patrick Fletcher will be retiring after 17 years at River Dell.

A trained Business Administrator and Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Fletcher earned his bachelor’s degree in government and law at Lafayette College and later received his graduate degree in Educational Administration at Seton Hall University. He also earned many postmaster’s credits at other institutions, including Bergen Community College.

Prior to leading River Dell in 2006, Mr. Fletcher served as the business administrator/board secretary for the Closter and Englewood Cliffs school districts before serving the Glen Rock Public Schools in various administrative positions for 14 years. This year, he is wrapping up his 17th year at River Dell.

Throughout his time at River Dell, Mr. Fletcher was recognized for his efforts in leading the district and supporting student successes. Some of his most notable accomplishments include 2014 New Jersey Association of School Administrator’s (NJASA) Northern Superintendent of the Year Award and 2018 NJASA Distinguished Ser- vice Award.

Among his proudest achievements is being one of the first members of “The Flight Team,” a group of highly trained individuals who would respond to crises in other school districts. The team was created just after the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Mr. Fletcher says enjoys working at River Dell and is always excited to surround himself with “highly motivated students and staff… it makes every day an opportunity [to learn something new].” Indeed, one of his favorite mottos is, “It’s always 75˚ and sunny at River Dell,” which reminds him of the wonderful community at River Dell.

Mr. Fletcher loves in-