Schools

Finello Named Interim School Superintendent in East Islip

After retiring in Huntington, Finello signs contract in East Islip.

After nearly four decades with Huntington schools, outgoing Huntington School Superintendent John Finello has been named interim superintendent in East Islip.

The new job was apparently being lined up in East Islip for the 2011-12 school year as the 10-year Huntington school superintendent was saying his good-byes last week.

"Don't make a choice because it pleases others ... make a choice because it engages all of you," said Finello at the Huntington High School graduation ceremony last Friday.

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the East Islip school community and look forward to working with parents, students, staff and community members,” said Finello today on the East Islip School District website.

Finello begins his new job July 5.

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The move could come as a shock to some because of Finello's lifelong Huntington roots. Finello was honored Wednesday at a $50 per plate affair at the Head of the Bay Club in Huntington Bay for his long career in Huntington where he earned $266,629 last year.

Specifics of his retirement package with Huntington schools or his new East Islip salary amount were not available at the time of this report. 

Huntington School District clerk Liz Troffa today said Filnello's retirement information could not be made available to Patch without a Freedom Of Information Act request.

East Islip school officials welcomed Finello to their district.

“We are fortunate to have such an established and influential leader joining our community as interim superintendent,” East Islip Board of Education President Ken Cronin said of the announcement according to the East Islip schools website.

Finello could not be reached for comment today.


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