Vince DiGrandi Named Mahopac Schools Superintendent

Vincent DiGrandi, right, is welcomed by Mahopac School Board President Michael Mongon during the May 5 board of education meeting.

By Holly Crocco

Vincent DiGrandi once walked the elementary school halls in Mahopac as a second-grader, but now – more than 40 years later – he will walk those same halls as superintendent of schools.

With a standing ovation and round of applause, the Mahopac School Board last week unanimously approved the appointment of DiGrandi as the district’s new top dog, effective June 1 of this year, through June 30, 2029.

“Our district is in a strong position and we are confident that Mr. Vince DiGrandi will build on our success and lead us into an even brighter future,” said School Board President Michael Mongon at the May 5 board of education meeting. “He brings a deep sense of integrity and perseverance to this roll – qualities that align with the values of our community.”

Vice President Lucy Massafra, who served on the board when DiGrandi was hired as principal of Mahopac Middle School back in 2013, also spoke fondly of the 1989 Mahopac High School alum.

“We turn the page and reaffirm our commitment to our students and our community,” she said. “Welcome home, Vince.”

Interim Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele called it an “honor and privilege to bring back someone I consider family… This is someone I’ve had the unique opportunity to watch grow, not just as an educator, but as a leader and as a person,” he said.

Miele served as DiGrandi’s physical education teacher in grade school and said that even then, his character stood out.

“He was focused, dependable, and driven by a silent determination that didn’t need recognition,” said Miele. “Over the years, that same steady presence has only strengthened. He believes in doing things the right way, not the easy way.”

With “integrity, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose,” Miele said DiGrandi has been trusted to lead a role that demands both vision and accountability.

“To the board, staff, students, and community – you are in capable hands,” he said. “You are gaining a leader that will show up, who will listen, who will lead with both heart and principal.”

DiGrandi, whose father was a New York City police officer and whose mother worked in the cafeteria at Mahopac schools, said he was fortunate that his family moved to Mahopac when he was in elementary school, which is where he met Miele.

“I had this gentleman as a mentor literally from grade two,” he said, referring to the outgoing superintendent. “This is personal for me. My goal is to make sure that every student in this district has the experience that I had – both on the field and off the field.”

Recalling interactions with teachers who inspired and supported him throughout his early education, DiGrandi said it’s important that everyone from the bus driver to the 12th-grade physics teacher is someone who encourages each student to succeed.

“I know the strength of this place is the people, and I mean that from the community, to the board, to the students, and I look forward to leading us – and your grandchildren, in the near future,” he said.

DiGrandi is coming from North Salem High School, where he has served as principal and led a grade-six-through-12 campus, overseeing budget and staffing while supporting high levels of student achievement, including a graduation rate of 96 to 98 percent and national recognition for the high school.

He served as principal at Mahopac Middle School from 2013 to 2017, and prior to that, worked as a principal at Fishkill Plains Elementary and Wappingers Junior High School, and assistant principal at John Jay High School. He also taught at Coleytown Elementary School in Westport, Conn.

During his previous tenure in Mahopac, DiGrandi expanded opportunities for students by enhancing college and career programming at the middle school level and establishing the district’s first middle school health fair.

DiGrandi was honored as Administrator of the Year in April 2025 by the Regional Association of Supervisors and Administrators, part of the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association. He was selected for “his commitment to the North Salem Central School District and his vision for improving student outcomes at North Salem Middle/High School.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Fordham University, a master’s degree in elementary education from Fairfield University, and a professional certificate in administration from Sacred Heart University.