Southampton School District Appoints New Permanent Superintendent

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — It's official: The Southampton School District announced Tuesday the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Dyno to the position of permanent Superintendent of Schools, effective immediately.

Dyno was appointed during the Tuesday regular Board of Education meeting.

Dyno, who has served as the district’s interim superintendent since April, when former Superintendent Dr. Scott Farina resigned, has more than 20 years of administration experience.

Over the past 11 years, he advanced from principal of Southampton High School to the district’s assistant superintendent for instruction and then, as interim superintendent.

“Dr. Dyno possesses the professional experience, innovative vision, desire to engage our entire school community and personal integrity to lead Southampton to the next level of success,” said Board of Education President Roberta O. Hunter.

“It was clear from our community’s positive input that he was best suited to serve our district in a permanent capacity. My colleagues and I are confident that his experience, knowledge and insight will continue to provide our district with the expertise and leadership abilities necessary to continue its commitment to a high-quality education for all students," she said.

“Over the past 11 years, Southampton has become a large part of the fabric of my educational career and I am extremely grateful to the Board of Education for their confidence and the trust they have placed in me,” said Dyno. “I look forward to being a part of the district’s future and working together with all stakeholders to shape the educational experience for the community’s young learners.”

Dyno began his career in education in 1985 as a secondary school guidance counselor in the Poughkeepsie City School District, a release from the district said.

He has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Berklee College of Music, a master’s degree in counselor education from Marywood University, and a doctorate in educational administration from Dowling College.

He has also been involved in Harvard Graduate School of Education programs, is a member of many professional organizations, and has presented research on best practices at professional workshops.

In March of 2016, news broke that Farina was under investigation, according to the district's board of education.

In a statement on the district's website at the time, Heather McCallion, Board of Education president, wrote, "On February 11, 2016, the Board of Education adopted a resolution to hire outside counsel to examine allegations that were brought to our attention regarding our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Scott Farina."

McCallion said it while it may be "frustrating" to hear, "it should be understood that we are legally prohibited from sharing specific information about this process based on the right to privacy to which he is entitled. We also believe that it is important to exercise common respect and decency whenever a protocol like this must be utilized. It would be irresponsible for the district to speculate and/or respond to rumors circulating within the community about this matter."

A report in the New York Post, however, stated that the investigation centers on an "X-rated selfie;" the article also stated that the BOE launched an investigation into a"wide range of alleged misconduct by Farina," including interviews with school staff about "allegations of financial misconduct and favoritism against Farina."

Past superintendent Farina, a former principal at East Hampton High School, had served as the Southampton superintendent since 2013.

Photo courtesy of Southampton School District.