J. Taylor Finley Middle School Principal John Amato is retiring. He will leave his position at the close of business on June 30, 2019.
Huntington School Board members unanimously approved Mr. Amato’s request to retire at the trustees’ public meeting last week. The district has commenced a search for his replacement. Applications are due on December 10.
Finley Principal John Amato is retiring.
Mr. Amato has been Finley’s educational leader since July 2006 after having served as assistant principal at Sayville Middle School for six years. He earlier worked as a seventh and eighth grade special education teacher in the Sachem school district, where he began his administrative career as a remedial summer school assistant principal.
A 1986 graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue with a Bachelor of Arts degree in human relations and a concentration in leadership and human resources development and management, Mr. Amato obtained a Master of Science degree in special education at Adelphi University in 1989. He earned his administrative certification through The College of New Rochelle in 1999.
In their free time, Mr. Amato and his wife enjoy sailing on Long Island’s South Shore and visiting with family and friends. He is also one of the most highly regarded high school boys’ basketball referees on Long Island.
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education will present Mr. Amato with its coveted Sprit Award at the organization’s annual Reach for the Stars gala on March 8, 2019.
The new Finley principal’s responsibilities will include:
- Work cooperatively with administrators, teachers and support staff
- Supervise and evaluate instructional and non-instructional staff
- Interview and recommend prospective instructional and non-instructional staff as openings occur
- Development of annual building objectives
- Promote constructive relationships between the school district and community
- Analyze student achievement data and prepare reports to plan for curriculum needs
- Orientation of new staff
- Staff development
- Conduct faculty meetings and attend periodic after-school meetings
- Coordinate the building activities with other buildings
- Work with and be available for parents and students as needed
- Implement the policies of the Board of Education, the regulations and directives of the Office of the Superintendent and existing employees’ contracts
- Serve in an advisory capacity on the coordination of activities of the school system
- Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or his designee
To apply for the position, send a letter of intent, resume and copy of state certification to Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky at jpolansky@husd.edu.
