Schools
Giani Leaving Huntington for South Country Schools
Assistant superintendent takes top job at South Country.
Dr. Joseph Giani, a longtime educator in the Huntington schools, has been named superintendent of the South Country school district.
He confirmed his appointment Monday night to Patch.
Giani was a Suffolk County wrestling champion for Huntington and earned all-state honors in the sport. He graduated from Huntington High School in 1976 and came back to the district as a physical education teacher in 1981.
He became the district director of health, physical education, athletics and driver education in 1988, a post he held until 2001 when he became assistant superintendent for personnel and general administration.
The Huntington High School gym is named for his father, Louis D. Giani, a legendary wrestling coach recognized nationally for his successes.
Giani sent a letter to district employees last week that read, in part, "After 32 years in Huntington Schools and having my hand in hiring more than 60% of our current 1000+ employees, I wanted you to hear this news from me first.
"I also wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed and appreciated having the opportunity to have worked with each of you.
Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He will start the South Country job July 20.
Joe Cipp Jr. resigned as school chief of the South Country School District in March 2012 after a grade-changing scandal erupted. Cipp, who had been Suffolk County's winningest football coach until surpassed by St. Anthony's Rich Reichert in 2012, was accused of pressuring educators to change the grade of an athlete so he would qualify for a college scholarship. Cipp repeatedly denied the accusation.
Howard Koenig served as interim superintendent of the district since Cipp's resignation.
The South Country website lists Charles M. Delargy, the assistant superintendent for business, as acting superintendent because Koenig's contract expired June 30.
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