Principal Vincent Fino Leads the Way at KPS

When he is not providing leadership and support for the students at Kent Primary School, Principal Vincent Fino might be found running on one of the bike trails around town. Fino, who took over as principal of the primary school on July 1, logs 35 to 40 miles a week.  

“It helps me unwind at the end of the day,” Fino said. “I like to be outdoors in the fresh air and Carmel is so beautiful.”   

Fino hit the ground running in his new position, too. He is already setting up ways to support young students in reading and math and is busy planning creative strategies to highlight the positive behaviors that Kent Primary students display every day.  

“I believe in positive behavioral interventions,” Fino said. “We want to highlight students when they are exemplifying good character and kindness toward others.”   

He has already met with KPSPTO President Stephanie Perez and is looking forward to all the activities the organization has planned, including the kindergarten playdate on August 26 and Popsicles with the Principal on August 28.  

Fino received his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in English/Language Arts Teaching as well as a Certificate of Educational Leadership and Administration at the State University of New York at New Paltz.  After beginning his career teaching eighth grade English at Valley Central Middle School in Orange County, Fino served as Assistant Principal at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park. He became Assistant Principal at Carmel High School in January 2022.  

A talented writer, Fino also served as a teacher trainer at the Hudson Valley Writing Project at SUNY New Paltz. 

“Having been at the high school and worked with students at the end of their K-12 road, I am excited to now see them at the beginning of that journey,” Fino said. “I look forward to supporting students as they develop the foundational skills that will carry them through life.”