South Huntington Superintendent Named NY's Top Tech Visionary

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — South Huntington School District Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia has received the New York Visionary Superintendent Award for his leadership in educational technology, becoming the only Long Island educator among five statewide honorees recognized this year.

The award, presented by the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) and education technology company ClassLink, recognizes educational leaders who embrace innovation while prioritizing student safety, equity and social-emotional well-being.

NYSCATE, a statewide nonprofit professional organization representing more than 25,000 educators and administrators, recognized D’Elia for South Huntington’s districtwide approach to technology integration, computer science education and artificial intelligence literacy.

“I try from this office to see where we can move ahead with technology to best support our students in a way that will have a positive impact on them in the future heading into college and the workforce," D’Elia said. "It's a tough balance these days. We have to make sure that when we have students on screen time, it's meaningful."

NYSCATE also highlighted the district’s efforts to establish ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence and introduce age-appropriate digital citizenship and AI literacy instruction beginning in the earliest grades.

“I want to always make sure we’re continuing to expand opportunities for our students," D’Elia said. "What is the most effective learning today for future success? We're all in agreement that having a student come to school and look at a screen for seven hours is not the healthiest approach. The basics are still important, like being able to write a good essay."

D’Elia, who became superintendent six years ago, said his goal has been to provide students with a range of educational opportunities that prepare them for an uncertain future.

“When I first became superintendent six years ago, my promise was to give students a menu to find things that work for them so they can be successful. We're not sure where all the challenges are going to be in the future, but we have to be ready, willing, and able to tackle them,” he said.

NYSCATE At-Large Director Tim Needles presented D’Elia with the award during the South Huntington Board of Education meeting on Sept. 16.

“The challenge of balancing innovation and responsibility is harder than ever as technology is moving forward,"
Needles said. "Bringing in new technologies in classrooms while balancing safety and keeping a focus on what students truly need to thrive is essential. We did a thorough vetting [during the selection process] and it was really outstanding what is going on here in South Huntington."