Paul Defendini

Paul Defendini has served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Farmingdale School District since 2018, marking over two decades of dedicated service to the "Daler" community. A seasoned educational leader with a background in both instructional and business administration, Paul’s leadership is built on a diverse professional foundation. He progressed from a classroom English teacher and Dean of Students to serving for nearly a decade as the Assistant Superintendent for Business. In that role, he managed multi-million dollar budgets and successfully spearheaded a $36 million bond project to develop the district’s premier Athletic Complex and Aquatic Center.

In addition to his district leadership, Paul has shared his administrative expertise in higher education, serving as a professor at Stony Brook University this year. A passionate advocate for 21st-century learning and comprehensive professional development, he draws on deep community roots through his roles as a district parent, Cub Scout leader, and youth lacrosse coach. Further demonstrating his commitment to service, Paul also volunteered his time to raise a service dog for Canine Companions, supporting the organization’s mission to provide enhanced independence to people with disabilities. A former Division I athlete and recipient of the Farmingdale PTA Honorary Life Membership Award, Paul remains a prominent voice in regional education, having served as the past president of the Nassau County Association of School Business Officials and the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents.