Fino Celano, superintendent of Herricks public schools since 2015, announced his retirement at last week’s Board of Education meeting.
Celano’s retirement will take effect on June 30, at the end of the school year.
“We are sorry to see him go but we wish him the very best in retirement,” said board President Henry Zanetti.
Celano said he announced his plans early to give the board enough notice to begin a search to find his replacement, which he believes has already begun.
“It was a very difficult decision deciding to retire at the end of the school year but it really has been my honor and privilege to serve as your superintendent over the past seven years,” Celano said during the meeting. “My experiences at Herricks have been the highlight of my professional career and I am grateful to have been of service to this community.”
Before his current position, Celano served as an assistant superintendent in the Garden City public schools for 10 years. He also worked in the Roslyn school district as the assistant superintendent for human resources.
Throughout his tenure, the district, which has about 4,000 students, has consistently been highly rated.
In U.S. News and World Report’s 2021 list of best high schools, Herricks High School placed No. 5 in Long Island, No. 33 in New York and No. 276 in the nation. In 2019, the high school’s rankings were No. 6, 43 and 412, respectively.
The rankings placed Herricks High School among the top 2 percent of 24,000 high schools in the country, according to the rankings.
As a district, Herricks was ranked No. 7 on Niche.com’s list of best school districts in New York.
Celano thanked his colleagues in the district, emphasizing their focus toward the students.
“I have great admiration and appreciation for everyone here,” he said. “Our students, faculty, administration, and for a wonderful Board of Education which demonstrates a tireless commitment to the pursuit of excellence and an environment where the success of each student is at the forefront of all our efforts.”
The board did not say when a new superintendent would be announced. Celano said he will assist in a smooth transition.
“I thank you all for your support,” Celano said, closing his remarks. “I am proud of the many accomplishments we accomplished together as a community.”
