South Huntington Board President Earns Top NY Education Honor For Leadership

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — South Huntington School District Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta has been named the 2026 Friend of Education by the School Administrators Association of New York State, recognizing decades of leadership and commitment to public education.

The Friend of Education Award is reserved for non-administrators who have made a lasting impact on advancing educational opportunities for students across New York State. According to SAANYS, Ciappetta’s leadership reflects a sustained effort to expand academic access, strengthen school-community partnerships, and support high-quality education.

Ciappetta and fellow 2026 award winners are being recognized Friday, May 1, at SAANYS’ annual awards celebration at the Desmond Hotel – Crowne Plaza in Albany.

A 1997 graduate of Walt Whitman High School, Ciappetta has served on the South Huntington Board of Education for more than 20 years, including the past nine as president.

“I think education is the whole foundation of our country,” Ciappetta said. “It's the foundation of democracy, and our schools are the cornerstones of our communities.”

During his tenure, the district has significantly expanded its academic offerings, including growing its Advanced Placement program to 31 courses—placing it among the most robust on Long Island. District leaders have also worked to increase participation across all student groups, with more students taking AP exams and earning qualifying scores.

Nearly half of Walt Whitman High School students now enroll in at least one AP course during their academic careers, reflecting broader access to advanced coursework.

Beyond academics, the district has invested in modern learning environments, including a cybersecurity lab, marine biology research facility, media production center, and art gallery. Students also have access to advanced medical technology, such as virtual dissection tables, providing hands-on experiences aligned with real-world careers.

“We respect every voice,” he said. “Our aim is to get the business of the school district done and not get enmeshed with issues that we can’t control.”

District leaders say that philosophy has helped foster a culture where student and staff achievements are regularly recognized, reinforcing schools as a source of community pride.

Walt Whitman High School Principal Dr. John Murphy credited Ciappetta with balancing student needs and community priorities.

“His inclusive, collaborative approach ensures that every voice is valued,” Walt Whitman High School Principal Dr. John Murphy said, adding that the district’s success reflects Ciappetta’s commitment to building a thriving educational community.

In addition to his work in South Huntington, Ciappetta serves on the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association as a Suffolk County Executive Committee member and has received multiple honors, including the SCOPE School Board Service Award and the Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr. Public Service Award.

Looking ahead, Ciappetta said he sees a growing emphasis on career-focused education.

What does Ciappetta see for the future of education?

“It might actually be going back to the future a little bit,” he said. “I think CTE, which is Career and Technical Education, is making its return, especially with affordability issues and how expensive college is. There's a demand for that, so I think we're going to be working to ensure that we fill that demand.”