School Board Appoints New Director of Science
Ever since Kenneth Graham announced he was leaving his post as director of science to return to a similar position in Long Beach, Huntington School District officials have been working to find a replacement. After an intensive process, administrators believe they have found just the right person in David M. Casamento, who this week was appointed by School Board members.
“I believe David will be a fine curriculum director and addition to our administrative team,” said Joseph Giani, assistant superintendent for personnel and general administration, who headed the search process.
Mr. Casamento, who resides in Huntington, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Hofstra University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry in May 1989 and a Master of Arts in secondary education in August 1991. He also holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in school district administration from SUNY Stony Brook.
Prior to coming to Huntington, Mr. Casamento taught Regents chemistry, honors chemistry, AP chemistry and AP biology at W. Tresper Clarke High School in Westbury from 1990 to 2005. He provided individualized tutoring, developed the AP biology and AP chemistry lab curriculums and advised Intel science competition semi-finalists.
In December 1994, Mr. Casamento completed an administrative internship at Clarke High School. He became director of science in the North Babylon School District in February 2005, a post he held until coming to Huntington.
During his teaching career, Mr. Casamento served as a class advisor and advisor to both the model congress and the drama club. He has also participated in numerous curriculum development projects, made a presentation at the New England Educational Research Organization Conference, held various leadership positions in his professional teacher association, chaired the North Babylon Health and Safety Committee and was a PTSA teacher representative.
Among Mr. Casamento’s many honors are several Most Outstanding High School Teacher awards and inclusion in Most Outstanding Young Men in America and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
During the hiring process district officials reviewed 19 applications and pre-screened eight individuals before a personnel selection committee interviewed five candidates. Huntington’s central office team interviewed the top two candidates prior to recommending Mr. Casamento for appointment. He met with School Board members on Monday, August 4 during an executive session prior to a public meeting of trustees.
The vacancy developed after Mr. Graham, who came to Huntington from the Long Beach City School District, decided to return there. During his one year in Huntington, he earned positive reviews and was a frequent presence in all eight buildings in the district. “Ken did a nice job for us,” Superintendent John J. Finello said.
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