Half Hollow Hills Announces Three Administrative Appointments for the 2026-2027 School Year

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District proudly announces three administrative appointments for the 2026-2027 school year: Maria Belfiore, Principal of Half Hollow Hills High School West; Lana Long Louis, Principal of Vanderbilt Elementary School; and Paige Furman, Director of English Language Arts, Business and Careers;. Each brings a distinguished record of instructional leadership, collaboration and student-focused service to their new roles.

“Strong leadership is essential to ensuring staff have the resources they need and students have access to high-quality educational experiences,” said John O’Farrell, Superintendent of Schools. “These three leaders bring deep instructional expertise and a shared commitment to supporting students and schools across the district.”

Maria Belfiore, Principal, Half Hollow Hills High School West

Maria Belfiore joins High School West as principal after serving in assistant principal roles at both Candlewood Middle School and High School East. Prior to her administrative roles, she taught social studies and special education, including Advanced Placement and self-contained programs. In her administrative roles, she constructed the master schedule and worked alongside building leadership to enhance instruction, develop curriculum and support initiatives focused on student achievement and social-emotional learning.

“I am honored to step into the role of principal at High School West and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the families of Half Hollow Hills,” said Belfiore. “It is a privilege to lead within a community where high expectations are the standard and possibilities are truly limitless. I look forward to working with students, staff and families and building an environment where every learner can reach their full potential.”

Belfiore holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and French literature and language, a master’s degree in teaching social studies education from Stony Brook University and administrative credentials from The College of Saint Rose.

Lana Long Louis, Principal, Vanderbilt Elementary School

Lana Long Louis has served as assistant principal at Vanderbilt Elementary School, where she has strengthened instructional practices, supported school systems focused on consistency and collaboration and helped cultivate a welcoming school environment. She has built strong relationships with students, staff and families while supporting continuous improvement and student growth.

“Vanderbilt Elementary School is a vibrant learning community rooted in collaboration, inclusivity and a shared commitment to student success,” said Louis. “I am honored to serve as principal and to continue working alongside our dedicated staff, students and families. Together, we will build on our strong foundation and ensure every child feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Louis holds a master’s degree in education in school building and district leadership from The College of Saint Rose, completed graduate studies at Hofstra University and earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Queens College. She also holds New York State School Building and District Leader certification and permanent certification in PreK-6.

Paige Furman, Director of English Language Arts, Business and Careers

Paige Furman has served as assistant principal at High School East since 2024, where she has strengthened student engagement, elevated school spirit and fostered a welcoming school environment through the launch of multiple schoolwide events and initiatives. Prior to joining Half Hollow Hills, she worked as a business teacher at Huntington High School and as a dean at Western Suffolk BOCES. She also brings private-sector experience from marketing roles at Chanel and LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy).

“I’m excited to step into this role and expand the impact of our work across English language arts, business and careers while bringing my industry experience into this work,” said Furman. “I look forward to building meaningful pathways that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities, ensuring every student graduates with strong skills and a clear direction for what comes next.”

Furman holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Saint Joseph’s University, a master’s degree in business education from Hofstra University and earned her administrative certification from Stony Brook University.

An education-oriented community with high academic expectations, the Half Hollow Hills Central School District is located in a residential area of 50,000 people in the central part of Long Island, approximately 40 miles from New York City. Providing for the education of approximately 7,200 students, the school district has five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Half Hollow Hills High Schools are fully accredited by the New York State Department of Education. The district is committed to providing all students with equitable opportunities to excel in academics, athletics and the arts.