The Mahopac Central School District has named Vincent DiGrandi as its new superintendent, effective July 1. A member of Mahopac High School’s class of 1989, DiGrandi takes the reins from Interim Superintendent Frank Miele, who replaced Christine Tona last summer.
DiGrandi’s appointment was greeted by a standing ovation at a special meeting of the school board on Tuesday.
Speaking before the school board unanimously approved the new superintendent’s appointment, Miele—who had called it “a very special night for me” because he had DiGrandi as a student—spoke.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to bring back somebody that I consider family,” Miele said, recalling being DiGrandi’s gym teacher when the latter was in second grade. “And even then, his character stood out. He was focused, dependable, and driven by a quiet determination that didn’t need recognition to be real.”
Miele told the gathering the district was in capable hands.
“You are gaining a leader who will listen, who will lead with both heart and principle.”
In his first remarks after his appointment became official, DiGrandi called it “deeply humbling.”
“This job is demanding, but there’s no place I’d rather do it than in Mahopac,” he said. “This is personal for me.”
In a press statement, DiGrandi reflected on what it was like to lead the school system in which he grew up.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed Superintendent of Mahopac Schools, a district and community that has shaped who I am today,” DiGrandi said. “Mahopac has been my home as a student, resident, and administrator, and it is a privilege to give back to the district that gave me so much. My leadership is focused on success for all students and grounded in collaboration, transparency, and innovation while maintaining an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and strong relationships.”
DiGrandi has a long background in education – both as a teacher and administrator – including a stint as Mahopac Middle School principal from 2013–17. A 1993 graduate of Fordham University, he earned his master’s degree in elementary education from Fairfield University and a certificate of advanced studies in administration from Sacred Heart University.
DiGrandi, who was named the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Administrator of the Year in 2025, was introduced to the community after his appointment was approved at Tuesday's special Board of Education.
As principal of North Salem High School, DiGrandi oversaw a campus ranked No. 260 nationally and No. 34 by U.S. News, with a 96–98 percent graduation rate while managing budget and staffing for grades 6–12.
During his tenure as Mahopac Middle School principal, he expanded college and career programming and launched the school’s first health fair.
Earlier roles include serving as principal of Fishkill Plains Elementary School in the Wappingers district, where he earned a NYS PTA PARP award for innovative literacy programming, and teaching positions in first and fifth grade in Westport, Connecticut.
DiGrandi will draw on that diverse experience in a time of great change for schools, with technology – including artificial intelligence – potentially transforming the nature of education.
“In a time of constant change in education, I look forward to the work ahead with our students, dedicated staff, and community partners,” DiGrandi said. “I hold myself to the highest standards of integrity and excellence, and I am committed to leading with purpose and pride as I serve the Mahopac community.”
School Board President Michael Mongon said DiGrandi’s local roots will serve him well as he leads Mahopac schools.
“Our district is in a strong position, and we are confident that Mr. DiGrandi will build on our success and lead us into an even brighter future,” Mongon said. “He brings a deep sense of integrity and perseverance to this role, qualities that align with the values of our community. We are both delighted and honored to welcome him back to our school district as our next superintendent, and we look forward to the leadership and vision he will bring in the years ahead.”
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