School Board Presents Plaque to Superintendent Finello
After nearly four decades of service, Huntington School District Superintendent John J. Finello is retiring. The Huntington School Board meeting on Monday, June 6 was the last one the veteran educator will attend.
Five term Trustee Richard McGrath, who has been on the board for Mr. Finello's entire tenure as superintendent, recognized the soon-to-be retired administrator with a handsome plaque on behalf of the seven-member Huntington School Board.
The plaque was presented to Mr. Finello "in appreciation for his outstanding 39 years of commitment to the students, parents, staff and residents of the Huntington School District. We thank you for your incredible career."
Mr. McGrath's voice was filled with emotion during his brief comments. "Jay has been an exceptional superintendent of this district," he said. School Board President Bill Dwyer echoed the sentiment during his own remarks, adding that "it has been a pleasure to work with Jay."
Mr. Finello was visibly moved during the presentation. "There was a lot of emotion felt during those minutes," he said. "I came here right out of college to start my teaching career. It's hard to believe 39 years have passed by so quickly. This is a special place to work. The students are special. The parents are special. The faculty and support staff is special. I will certainly miss everyone."
The crowd in the Jack Abrams School auditorium gave Mr. Finello a standing ovation. "It was totally unexpected," Mr. Finello said. Trustees won't meet again until July at which time James Polansky will be sitting in the superintendent's chair.
Mr. Finello attended school in the district from kindergarten through graduation with Huntington's Class of 1968. He was a student at Flower Hill and Lincoln elementary schools, Robert L. Simpson Junior High School and the high school. He played on the Blue Devil baseball team.
The future superintendent 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's 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 led 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. He is an avid sports fan and also enjoys the arts.
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education presented Mr. Finello with the group's Spirit Award in January 2010 in recognition of his nearly four decades of service to the community. He is an adjunct professor in Stony Brook University's School of Professional, leading courses in educational leadership for the next generation of school administrators.
"It's been a great right and I've worked with some wonderful people," Mr. Finello said. "There will always be a special place in my heart for Huntington."