Trustees Appoint New
Guidance Director
The Huntington School District has a new director of guidance after trustees appointed Kitty R. Klein to the position. She replaces Benjamin Baglio, who was the interim director for the past year following the resignation of Peter Pasternostro in June 2009.
“It has been my privilege to be part of the education profession for 14 years now,” Ms. Klein said. “Having been employed as a guidance counselor, adjunct professor, building and district administrator, I have had the opportunity to develop a fine rapport with students, parents and the school community, as well as experience a rewarding career, sharing both my knowledge and expertise with staff and faculty.”
Ms. Klein earned an undergraduate degree in psychology at Long Island University in May 1993. She obtained a master’s degree in education in January 1995 at St. John’s University, where she also received a professional diploma in educational administration and supervision in June 1997.
Ms. Klein is coming to Huntington from the Garden City School District where she was director of guidance since July 2006. Prior to that, she worked as a guidance counselor (later promoted to department director) at the Academy of Environmental Science in Manhattan (November 1997 to June 2001), assistant principal of personnel and guidance at Norman Thomas High School in Manhattan (July 2001 to June 2003), director of guidance for the Locust Valley School District (July 2003 to July 2004) and director of guidance and counseling for the Manhasset School District (July 2004 to June 2006).
Over the years, Ms. Klein has also been employed at the college level. She worked as an adjunct professor of sociology (August-December 1996) and chairperson of college counseling and student services (March 1996 to November 2007) at Briarcliffe College. She was an adjunct professor at Manhattan Community College from February-June 2001.
The district received 21 applications for the guidance director’s position. Seven candidates were pre-screened and three were formally interviewed by a selection committee consisting Dr. Joseph Giani, assistant superintendent for personnel and general administration, Dr. Kenneth Card, Jr., assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Dr. Carmela Leonardi, principal of Huntington High School, John Amato, principal of J. Taylor Finley Middle School and guidance counselors Caterina Cain, Catherine Croke and Steven Lashin. Superintendent John J. Finello and Drs. Giani and Card conducted another interview before a recommendation was made to trustees.
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