Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent of Schools John J. Finello is Huntington through and through. He attended elementary and secondary school in the district, graduating from Huntington High School in 1968, and has worked his way up through the teaching and administrative ranks over the years.
Mr. Finello earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at St. John’s University in 1972 and went on to obtain a Master of Arts in education at Adelphi University in 1975. He received a Professional Diploma in educational administration at Long Island University – C.W. Post in 1985.
Following his college graduation, Mr. Finello joined Huntington’s faculty in 1972 and was a classroom teacher at Huntington Elementary School through June 1986 when he was named the district’s elementary science and computer coordinator. In 1988 he assumed new responsibilities as assistant principal of Huntington Elementary and remained in that position until 1991 when he became principal of Washington Elementary School.
While serving as Washington principal, Mr. Finello developed and implemented a variety of curriculum changes and innovations aimed at strengthening and enhancing instruction and learning in all academic areas. He also initiated and coordinated a student conduct committee, developed and directed the child study team and coordinated the shared decision making team.
In May 2000, Mr. Finello was elevated to assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. In the post he supervised district directors and chairpersons and their programs, directed staff development activities, coordinated curriculum alignment with state standards, assessments and planning mandates and monitored instruction in all buildings.
Mr. Finello assumed his current position in July 2001 and has worked to improve all facets of the district, including classroom instruction and academic offerings, facilities, and extracurricular activities. He has initiated long term budget priorities and planning along with the active pursuit of available financial grants.
Known for his constant presence in and around the school community, Mr. Finello enjoys attending events, including plays, concerts and games. A former Huntington High School baseball player, he is an avid sports fan and also enjoys the arts.
A member of local, state and national superintendent associations, Mr. Finello is on the executive board of Section XI of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. During his free time he can be found engaged in carpentry, woodworking and spending time near the water.