J.Taylor Finley Administration
Principal
John Amato became principal of J. Taylor Finley Middle School in July 2006 after having served as assistant principal at Sayville Middle School for six years. He earlier worked as a seventh and eighth grade special education teacher in the Sachem school district, where he began his administrative career as a remedial summer school assistant principal.
A 1986 graduate of St. Joseph's College in Patchogue with a Bachelor of Arts degree in human relations and a concentration in leadership and human resources development and management, Mr. Amato obtained a Master of Science degree in special education at Adelphi University in 1989. He earned his administrative certification through The College of New Rochelle in 1999.
Mr. Amato is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education. He sits on the executive board of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and is one of the most highly regarded basketball referees on Long Island.
An energetic leader who sets high standards for himself, Mr. Amato is steadfast in his pursuit of excellence for every Finley student. He looks to build upon the strong academic and co-curricular traditions of the school, which is nearing its 50th anniversary.
Assistant Principal
J. Taylor Finley Middle School Assistant Principal Kenneth C. Parham came to Huntington from the Bay Shore school district where he worked for many years as a fifth grade teacher and later as dean of students.
Mr. Parham coached the Bay Shore men's varsity basketball team, winning numerous league titles and the Suffolk championship in 2004. He was voted coach of the year many times and won 70 percent of his games.
As a fifth grade teacher, Mr. Parham instructed accelerated mathematics classes. He possesses computer literacy in a variety of software programs. Around Finley's hallways and classrooms, he is a very visible leader and strong personality known for his wit and wisdom and general sense of humor.
Mr. Parham received his undergraduate degree in history with a minor in education at Dowling College in 1992. He obtained a master of science in school counseling at Long Island University – C.W. Post in 1997 and earned a certificate of advanced study in educational administration at Stony Brook University in 2005.
While serving as Bay Shore's basketball coach, Mr. Parham sent players to numerous colleges including the University of Miami, Bucknell, St. Peter's, Dowling and Adelphi. He was also the Bay Shore women's varsity basketball coach for two seasons. Upon his own high school graduation, he initially attended the University of Texas at El Paso on a scholarship before eventually transferring to Dowling.
In addition to his responsibilities as Finley's assistant principal, Mr. Parham serves as head coach of the St. Anthony's High School girls' basketball team.