Matthew Haag Returns to His Education Roots

Since 2019, Matthew Haag has deepened our understanding of New York City's economy and its commercial real estate market. He has brought us the memorable tale of the man who lived rent free in the New Yorker hotel , and he has documented how hard it is for the wealthy to leave New York City , even as they threaten to flee. He analyzed the property tax breaks received by the higher education behemoths New York University and Columbia University, whose real estate footprints are unmatched.

He has become such an expert on his beat that it's easy to forget that Matthew got his start in journalism as an education reporter at The Dallas Morning News. Teachers and administrators in the Dallas Independent School District couldn't make a move that Matthew didn't know about. He was known for his tough reporting and investigations. His stories held administrators and contractors accountable. Let's just say some people didn't miss him when he left Dallas for New York to work at The Times.

We are pleased to announce that Matthew is returning to his roots and will take on the education beat. Matthew is stepping into his role at a critical time. The effects of the pandemic on schoolchildren are still revealing themselves, and A.I. looms large.

Matthew will cover New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the country, as it grapples with declining enrollment and debates about gifted education. The system has a new chancellor, and we fully expect Matthew to explore new policies. He will also explore the tristate region, uncovering stories in New Jersey and Connecticut that illuminate broader education issues.

"Matthew's openness and curiosity have resulted in some of the most surprising and readable stories on his beats. I always looked forward to our weekly one-on-one meetings because it would be one of those fun rambling brainstorms but it actually went somewhere," said Judy Tong, his most recent editor on Metro. "On top of that, he's one of the kindest co-workers I've ever had the pleasure to work with."

He is already getting started on his beat, meeting sources, developing story ideas and prioritizing his targets.

Please join us in congratulating him.

- Nikita and Steve