With John J. Finello entering his final year as superintendent of the Huntington School District, trustees approved a resolution to retain Eastern Suffolk BOCES to help search for a replacement and assist in the candidate vetting process.

Board of Education members took the action near the end of their meeting this past Monday night, voting unanimously to utilize Eastern Suffolk BOCES at an expense of up to $20,000 but they “expect that their services will not cost that much,” School Board President Bill Dwyer said.

"Given the importance to the district of finding a highly qualified new superintendent and implementing a smooth transition plan, we would rather start on the task now, to give ourselves as much time as possible to complete it successfully," Mr. Dwyer said.

Mr. Finello is winding down a career with the district that began in September 1972 when he was hired as an elementary classroom teacher. Over the years he rose through the ranks, serving stretches as an assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent since July 2001.