Joe Famularo, a superintendent and a musician, does something most other school leaders don’t do: He writes songs for his students. A song called, “Be Strong and Lead Together,” holds special meaning for him as he wrote it for the class of 2020.
“This piece aimed to offer solace and encouragement to students graduating amidst the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic,” says Famularo, the leader of Bellmore Public Schools on Long Island and New York’s 2024 superintendent of the year. “As a musician, I have always believed in the power of music to inspire, heal and unite.”
During the pandemic, he took to the social network then known as Twitter to perform “Happy Birthday” and introduce students to new musical instruments each week. “These informal music lessons were about more than music; they were about perseverance, adaptability, and the indomitable human spirit,” he explains.
Oh yeah, he also writes children’s books!
Famularo recently shared with District Administration how he and his team “inspire to aspire,” the challenges of providing differentiated instruction and keeping current with edtech, among other topics.
1. “Lead and Learn” is one of your guiding educational philosophies. How do you and your educators put it into action?
Our “Lead and Learn” philosophy is a living testament to our belief in the power of continuous growth and shared leadership. Central to this philosophy is our commitment to empowering students to take on leadership roles within our schools. We believe that by placing trust in our students, we foster a sense of confidence and self-worth that goes beyond the classroom.
But it’s not just about student leadership. Our educators are also immersed in a culture of lifelong learning. By championing an environment of continuous improvement, we underscore the idea that every member of our community, from the newest student to the most seasoned teacher, is on a perpetual journey of growth and discovery. This approach has made our vision of “Growing Together as a Community of Learners” a tangible reality.
Our students recognize that learning isn’t a one-sided process; it’s a shared endeavor. They witness firsthand that their teachers, too, are learners, constantly seeking to better themselves and their teaching practices.
2. You also aim to “Inspire to Aspire.” What does this mean?
The word “Inspire,” derived from its Latin roots meaning “to breathe life into,” serves as a powerful reminder of our role in education. It’s not just about imparting knowledge but about instilling a spirit of drive and purpose in our students and staff. To “Inspire to Aspire” is to understand that when we inspire someone, it’s akin to breathing life into their ambitions, goals and dreams. This act of inspiration is a fusion of energy, enthusiasm, and purpose.
I truly believe that educators have a unique, invaluable role in society, and it’s our duty to not just teach but to inspire. Every time we step into a classroom, a meeting or any educational setting, we have the potential to light the spark of aspiration in someone’s heart. It’s been my steadfast approach to lead with passion, sharing my enthusiasm and energy with every interaction. Positivity is contagious; by setting a positive tone and fostering an environment of hope and ambition, it creates a ripple effect. Students and staff absorb this energy and radiate it, thereby perpetuating a cycle of inspiration.
To me, “Inspire to Aspire” isn’t just a phrase—it encapsulates the heart and soul of what we do. It’s a constant reminder that every day we have the privilege to shape minds, touch hearts, and breathe life into the dreams of our students and staff. In so doing, we fulfill our own aspirations as leaders in education.
I have extensively researched and written on this topic and am the author of the bestselling book, IOU Life Leadership, with a foreword by the esteemed Stephen M.R. Covey. I have also published several children’s books, each book focusing on a different foundational leadership principle from IOU Life Leadership in “kid language.” I am in the final stages of completing a guidebook that will provide a comprehensive framework for school leaders to create and develop a strategic school map for nurturing a Dynamic Positive School Culture with the goal for everyone to “Inspire to Aspire.”
3. What are the things that are you most excited about that are happening in Bellmore Public Schools?
One of the accomplishments I am profoundly excited about is Bellmore being the first district in New York State and the second in the entire country to receive the distinction of being named a Lighthouse District for Leadership by FranklinCovey. This recognition is not just a testament to our dedication but also a reflection of the hard work, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by our entire educational community.
Moreover, the “Leadership Tours” led by our students have become a notable event in our district. These tours, which we regularly host for visiting schools, embody the spirit of peer-to-peer leadership and learning. It’s truly inspiring to see our students take on such pivotal roles, showcasing the unique aspects of Bellmore’s educational approach and proudly representing our “Lead and Learn” culture.
4. What are your goals for the next few years?
Central to our goals is the continued nourishment and enhancement of our collaborative “Lead and Learn” culture. We aim to continue to foster this within Bellmore and also share this valuable framework with schools across New York State and the nation. It’s about creating ripples of positive change that emanate from our district, impacting school cultures and outcomes far and wide.
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Furthermore, we are committed to fostering a mindset of continuous improvement in every facet of our school environment. Whether it’s academics or leadership skills, our objective is to perpetually seek and integrate innovative strategies that elevate our students’ capabilities. By doing this, we not only prepare them for the challenges of the future but also instill in them the confidence and skillset to become the leaders of tomorrow.
While we’ve achieved notable milestones, the journey ahead is filled with promise and potential. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and leadership, we’re poised to set new benchmarks in education, not just in New York State but across the country.
5. What are the biggest challenges Bellmore Public Schools faces right now?
One of the defining characteristics of our district is our unwavering commitment to differentiated instruction. We understand that each student is unique, with individual strengths, needs and learning styles. As such, we’ve anchored our educational approach on the bedrock principle of differentiated instruction, ensuring that every student receives an education that aligns with and is tailored to their personal learning trajectory.
However, this commitment also presents challenges. Currently, one of our most significant challenges is the continuous evaluation and refinement of our instructional tools and methods. It’s imperative for us to ascertain the effectiveness of our current resources and pedagogies. While some tools may have served us well in the past, the dynamic nature of education and the ever-evolving needs of our students demand that we constantly reassess and adapt.
Moreover, in our quest to provide the most tailored and effective instruction, we always actively seek out cutting-edge tools and methodologies. To do so we must understand new educational technologies and strategies and also ensure they align seamlessly with our core values and objectives.
We embrace the challenge of continuous assessment and enhancement of our instructional tools wholeheartedly. This underscores our dedication to ensuring that every student benefits from an education that’s as unique and exceptional as they are.
6. What are the keys to your leadership philosophy, and how do these contribute to Bellmore Public Schools’ success?
My leadership philosophy is rooted deeply in the principles of servant leadership. The core tenet of this philosophy is the unwavering belief in prioritizing the needs of others above all, and this belief has guided my every decision and action as the superintendent of Bellmore Public Schools. By always placing the well-being and ambitions of our staff and students at the forefront, we have successfully cultivated a culture where positivity, collaboration, mutual trust and respect flourish. In Bellmore, we emphasize the importance of looking internally, recognizing our inherent talents and strengths, and sharing them to inspire others.
Every individual in our district possesses unique skills and potential. As leaders, it is our duty to tap into this reservoir of talent, ensuring that every member of our community is equipped, encouraged, and empowered to aspire to their greatest potential. This atmosphere of shared growth, where each individual feels valued and heard, has been instrumental in the successes and achievements of our district.
7. How have your job/responsibilities changed over the last few years?
The landscape of education, much like any other sector, is in a constant state of evolution. Over the last few years, my job and responsibilities as a superintendent have undeniably transformed, reflecting the dynamic nature of our education system and broader societal changes. I often emphasize that change is more than an inevitable occurrence; it’s an integral and essential part of life, and it brings with it invaluable opportunities for growth and development.
To navigate these shifts in roles and responsibilities, I adhere to a systematic approach that prioritizes data-driven decision-making. Starting with a thorough and unbiased data collection phase, which involves understanding the situation at hand, without imposing any preconceived values or judgments on the information we gather. This objectivity ensures that the foundation of our decision-making process is rooted in facts and reality.
Next, we proceed to a comprehensive calculation phase. Here, data is sorted and analyzed to determine the fundamental principles that will anchor our decisions. With a clear framework in place, we then formulate a strategic plan to address the impending change. Even the most robust planning is ineffective without clear communication. Therefore, to ensure that everyone is informed and aligned with our vision and approach, we communicate our plan to the relevant stakeholders. Only then is the plan executed, turning change from a challenge into an opportunity.
This systematic and holistic approach, which I call “The Life Map Cycle for Change”, has been pivotal in ensuring that the shifts in roles and responsibilities over the years have been smooth, strategic, and always in the best interest of our educational community. While the specifics of my job may have evolved, my commitment to proactive, data-driven, and systematic decision-making has remained a constant, guiding
me and our district through every twist and turn.
8. What does it mean to you to be named New York Superintendent of the Year?
Being named New York Superintendent of the Year is both an honor and a humbling experience. I firmly believe that it stands as a testament to the collective dedication, resilience and innovation of our entire school community. This accolade truly reflects the collective dedication and unity within the entire Bellmore community of learners. It stands as a testament to the unwavering support of the Board of Education members, educators, staff, parents and our invaluable community partners.
The success of our school district is like a tapestry, woven together by the threads of the community at large. Every accomplishment, every advancement and every milestone we’ve achieved has been a result of collaborative efforts. I’ve also had the unique privilege of collaborating with and understanding of best practices and insights from colleagues across the state, whose dedication and shared commitment to educational excellence have played a pivotal role in achieving this recognition.
This recognition underscores the synergy of our shared commitment to excellence in education. It reminds me that when we come together with a unified goal, incredible things can happen.
