LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John J. Finello upon the occasion of
receiving the 2009 Spirit Award from the Huntington Foundation for
Excellence in Education on January 22, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
J. Finello upon the occasion of receiving the 2009 Spirit Award from the
Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education at its 17th Annual
Reach for the Stars fundraising gala on January 22, 2010, at Woodlands
in Woodbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Superintendent of Schools for the Huntington School
District, John J. Finello attended elementary and secondary school in
the district, graduating from Huntington High School in 1968, and worked
his way up through the teaching and administrative ranks over the years;
and
WHEREAS, John J. Finello joined the faculty of the Huntington School
District in 1972, and was a classroom teacher at Huntington Elementary
School through 1986, when he was named the elementary science and
computer coordinator for the district; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, John J. Finello assumed new responsibilities as
Assistant Principal of Huntington Elementary and remained in that posi-
tion until 1991, when he became Principal of Washington Elementary
School; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as Principal of Washington Elementary
School, John J. Finello developed and implemented a variety of curric-
ulum changes and innovations aimed at strengthening and enhancing
instruction and learning in all academic areas; he also initiated and
coordinated a student conduct committee, developed and directed the
child study team and coordinated the shared decision making team; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, John J. Finello was elevated to Assistant Super-
intendent for Curriculum and Instruction of the Huntington School
District, where he supervised district directors and chairpersons and
their programs, directed staff development activities, coordinated
curriculum alignment with state standards, assessments and planning
mandates and monitored instruction in all buildings; and
WHEREAS, Since being named Superintendent of the Huntington School
District in 2001, John J. Finello has worked to improve all facets of
the district, including classroom instruction and academic offerings,
facilities, and extracurricular activities; in addition, he has initi-
ated long term budget priorities and planning along with the active
pursuit of available financial grants; and
WHEREAS, An avid sports fan and former Huntington High School baseball
player, John J. Finello is a member of the Executive Board of Section XI
of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association; and
WHEREAS, John J. Finello received a Bachelor of Science degree in
Education from St. John's University in 1972, a Master of Arts degree in
education from Adelphi University in 1975 and a Professional Diploma in
educational administration from Long Island University - C.W. Post in
1985; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John J. Finello upon the occasion of receiving the 2009 Spirit
Award from the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education on
January 22, 2010, and to wish him continued success in all of his future
endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John J. Finello.