Principal Is Best on Island

Adam Fine, who is in his sixth year as the principal of East Hampton High School, was named Administrator of the Year last week by the Council of Administrators and Supervisors, a Long Island group of more than 1,400 school leaders.

Mr. Fine said Tuesday that he considers the award to be more about the school than about his own leadership. He credited the high school’s two assistant principals, Timothy Fromm and Maria Mondini, with making important contributions. “This award reaffirms what we have been doing here,” Mr. Fine said.

Mr. Fine was previously a principal in Southampton, an assistant principal in Syosset, and a special education teacher and assistant principal in Longwood. He holds degrees from Binghamton University, New York University, and Teachers College of Columbia University.

Mr. Fine said he feels blessed to be working in East Hampton. What drew him here six years ago, he said, was “the idea that it brought together so many different communities.” He added that the school’s size, about 870 students and 150 staff members, allows it to accomplish so much.

“I like instructionally pushing the envelope, preparing more kids to be college and career ready, and improving the culture and climate of the school,” he said. “We’re tackling mental health and substance abuse head on. I enjoy engaging the community.”