South Huntington Announces New Superintendent

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Vito D'Elia was announced as the South Huntington School District's next superintendent on Wednesday night, the district shared in a news release. His appointment comes after Superintendent David Bennardo announced his retirement in September following nine years in the role.

More than 20 candidates applied for the role and were interviewed in December and January. D'Elia became the last man standing. He is slated to begin his new role on July 1.

"Dr. D’Elia has the experience, leadership skills, work ethic, vision, and moral compass to build
upon the incredible success of Dr. Bennardo and continue South Huntington's upward
trajectory," said Nicholas Ciappetta, J.D., president of South Huntington’s Board of
Education. "During the interview process, Dr. D’Elia impressed the Board of Education
with his passion to be Superintendent and understanding of the Wildcat culture. I look forward to
working closely with him to reach our shared goal of making South Huntington the finest school
district on Long Island."

D'Elia told the board he is "hopeful" for the future of South Huntington schools.

"Our goal in South Huntington will be to have students become lifelong learners where every student that graduates from Walt Whitman High School will have the ability to go on and extend their knowledge," D'Elia said. "Our work will be to enable students to be college-ready, career-ready, and citizenship-ready. We will continue to work collaboratively with all members of our learning community to ensure our students are reaching their full potential."

D’Elia has centered his life around education, according to the district. He received his bachelor of science degree at St. John's University. Five years later, he started teaching at Francis F. Wilson Elementary School in Rockville Centre, where he taught first grade for three years and fourth grade for two years. During his time teaching, D’Elia was dedicated to furthering his education —he received his master’s in science for elementary education and a professional diploma in educational leadership and administration from Long Island University. He completed his educational journey by receiving a doctorate of education in educational leadership and accountability from St. John’s University.

D’Elia continues his passion for teaching in a classroom by being an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University, where he currently teaches a graduate course in the educational administration program.

D'Elia held many administrative roles throughout his career prior to being named superintendent at South Huntington. While still teaching in Rockville Centre, D’Elia became the academic facilitator at his school. He later became the assistant principal of South Side Middle School in Rockville Centre.

In 2006, D'Elia was welcomed into the South Huntington learning family as the principal of Maplewood Intermediate School. During this time, D’Elia went beyond his role as a principal by becoming a South Huntington Title 1 schoolwide coordinator, a curriculum council member, and a policy board member. After 13 years as Principal, D’Elia became the assistant superintendent of business and district operations for the South Huntington district.

Two years later, he was selected as the new superintendent.

Bennardo reflected on the board's decision and believes D'Elia is the perfect fit for the job.

"I have worked with Dr. D’Elia for the past nine years and had the good fortune of watching him successfully lead a dynamic and vibrant intermediate school into his role as assistant superintendent of business," Bennardo said. "Dr. D’Elia possesses a tireless work ethic and maintains the highest standards for students, staff, and himself alike. I can confidently say that South Huntington’s new superintendent will bleed maroon and white and successfully lead this incredible school district into its next exciting chapter."