Huntington El's Founding Principal Passes Away
When the Huntington School District wanted to create a state of the art school, designed to encourage teachers and students to explore the latest trends in education, they turned to a seasoned Vermont educator, Steve Good.
Mr. Good's career in Huntington began on July 1, 1969. Over the next 25 years he endeared himself to everyone who crossed his path, building strong relationships with students and their parents and supervising a faculty that was fiercely loyal to their leader.
After retiring July 20, 1994 and being feted at a lavish party at the Thatched Cottage in Centerport, Mr. Good and his wife, Gloria returned to their native Vermont the next year. Huntington El's founding principal passed away July 2 from complications following surgery in Florida. He was 76 years old.
Stephen Doyle Good was born in Montpelier, Vermont on July 29, 1934. He graduated from St. Michael's High School and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education at Johnson State College and a Master's degree in administration at St. Michael's College.
Recruited to open the sparkling new 1,000 student capacity Huntington El, there was a quick change of plans when Robert K. Toaz Junior High School was closed for a year for renovations and the construction of a new wing for sixth graders.
When Toaz students were shipped over to the new Huntington El, Mr. Good spent a year as principal of Washington Elementary School. He took over as Huntington El's principal for the 1970/71 school year and quickly created a cutting-edge school that utilized its distinctive features in every facet of its operation.
From the dedicated auditorium and oversized gym to the distinctive rotunda, science labs, large library, huge cafeteria, speech and language labs and courtyard amphitheater, Huntington El was a school different than any other in the district. Mr. Good encouraged his teaching staff to think outside-the-box. Students were permitted to go anywhere in the building to learn. Parents were empowered through the school's unique Parent Teacher Organization.
Mr. Good was known for standing outside the entrance to Huntington Elementary School every morning and welcoming students. "That was his hallmark, something he said he always did as principal," a former teacher said. "Everyday, rain or shine, he was outside first thing in the morning welcoming the students into his school. He said it was the best part of the day. I have always remembered that."
After coming to the district, Mr. Good and his wife settled into a home on Huntington
Bay Road and sent their three children through Huntington's schools. All of them graduated from Huntington High School.
Residing across the street from the Good home was the Finello family. When John J. Finello graduated from St. John's University in May 1972, Mr. Good hired him to teach fifth grade at Huntington El. In 1986, Mr. Finello was elevated to the post of assistant principal at the school. Before Mr. Good retired, Mr. Finello had been named principal of Washington School. Mr. Finello himself retired June 30 after serving as district superintendent for the past ten years. He was shocked to learn his longtime mentor had passed away.
"Steve Good was the best friend anyone could have," Mr. Finello said. "He was an exceptional principal that was focused on teaching and learning. He was proud of his students and encouraged all of them to aim high."
The retirement party at the Thatched Cottage drew a large crowd, including then- Assemblyman John J. Flanagan, who presented Mr. Good with a state proclamation and offered flowering praise for his 37 year career in education.
After retiring and returning to his native Vermont, Mr. Good and his wife, who were married May 11, 1957, settled in Shelburne. Mr. Good was a member of that town's Select Board from 1999 to 2005 and was on the Mater Christi School Board in Burlington from 1995-97.
A Mass to celebrate Mr. Good's life was held on Tuesday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at Mount St. Mary Convent Chapel in Burlington. His remains were cremated. He will be buried in Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington.