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A Few Clouds Bellmore's 'Dr. Joe' earns prestigious honor
Joseph Famularo, superintendent of the Bellmore Public Schools, was named the 2024 New York State School Superintendent of the Year — an esteemed honor given to him by the New York State Council of School Superintendents.
Famularo has worked in Bellmore schools during his entire career — this being his 33rd year with the district and 17th year as superintendent. He was previously a reading and special education teacher, before becoming an assistant principal, then director, principal and assistant superintendent for instructional services.
“I use the analogy that our life is like a life ship on a journey, and I just feel incredibly grateful that my life ship settled at port in Bellmore,” he told the Herald. “It’s a privilege, an honor to serve such a wonderful community — a remarkable place to live and work, and dedicate my career here.”
Affectionately known around the Bellmore community as “Dr. Joe,” Famularo holds a doctorate in educational leadership. The district operates three kindergarten-to-sixth grade schools: Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Learning Center, Winthrop Avenue School and Shore Road School.
Once students graduate, they then attend schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.
Under his leadership, Bellmore’s education landscape has flourished, and the district was the first in New York State to be recognized as a Lighthouse District for Leadership by FranklinCovey Education.
A musician, Famularo has helped the arts flourish in Bellmore schools, earning the district recognition from numerous regional and national music organizations. His efforts have stretched beyond the administrative role, as he annually performs with Bellmore teachers in their district band, called “The Belltones.”
He’s composed several songs, including “Be Strong and Lead Together,” which was dedicated to the Class of 2020 — students who graduated during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Music is an important part of everyone’s life and important part of my life and my family,” he said. “And since I have that talent, I tried to use it to create messages for students, for everyone. Music is another way to express yourself and to share your message.”
Famularo is the former president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, and is still very involved with its executive committee. The Nassau council nominated Famularo for the award, which looks at three criteria: district development, how regionally involved a superintendent is, and the work done on a state level.
There are 700 school districts in New York, and the state council’s distinguished service committee narrows down the pool of nominees to 12 superintendents who are interviewed, and then finally choose a finalist among four candidates.
The state council will formally recognize Famularo at the 2024 Winter Institute in Albany on March 4. He will also represent the state as its nominee for the National Superintendent of the Year, awarded by the American Association of School Administrators in San Diego, California in February.
Famularo is also on the board of directors of Scope Education services, a nonprofit chartered by the New York State Board of Regents to provide services to the state’s school districts.
Famularo said the award would not have been possible without the amazing support and efforts of everyone in the Bellmore community.
“I really feel this recognition is synergy of many individuals — amazing board, administrators, teachers, non-instructional staff, parents, the entire community,” he said. “It’s a collective recognition of our entire educational community.”
Maryanne Kelly, president of Bellmore’s Board of Education, expressed the board’s heartfelt congratulations to Famularo.
“Dr. Joe’s extensive experience and impressive credentials equip him with a comprehensive knowledge base to address and lead with specialized expertise in all facets of our school community,” she said in a statement. “His forward-thinking mindset and belief in our ‘Bellmore Stars Education Program,’ coupled with his efforts in developing and promoting our leadership principles and Star Core Values of respect, dedication, integrity, trust, and teamwork, have empowered all Bellmore Star Students to consistently thrive in our mission to ‘Lead and Learn.’”
Charles Dedrick, executive director of the state council of superintendents, said the council is thrilled that Famularo is its 2024 award winner.
“Joe brings a level of enthusiasm to the superintendency that truly makes him stand out as a leader among leaders,” Dedrick said. “He has been involved with (the state council) as long as I can remember, whether it be helping new superintendents to adjust to their position, leading his county superintendent group or simply playing his guitar at our conferences. Joe has become a role model for other superintendents across the state.”
After being selected, Famularo said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to be named New York State Superintendent of the Year by my esteemed colleagues. I am fortunate to belong to this extraordinary community, and this honor is a shared tribute, owing no small part to their remarkable contributions.”
