DiCapua takes over as
assistant superintendent
For Dana DiCapua the news that she would become the new assistant superintendent for business was “thrilling, really, really thrilling.”
“It’s a privilege to be a part of it,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
DiCapua departs from the Wantagh Public School District, where she was also the assistant superintendent for business. She comes to Garden City under the same title. With nine years experience in school business, she has the potential of being a worthy successor to Al Chase, who had served the district for the previous seven years. Prior to her position at Wantagh, she held the same position in Island Trees and similar positions in Plainview-Old Bethpage and Hempstead.
“Learning from that [being assistant superintendent for business in Wantagh] really gave me a nice perspective,” said DiCapua. “It was all very instrumental as to why I’m here today.”
Prior to her work in school business and finance, she had a successful career in the banking industry where she served a stint at CitiBank as a branch manager. Her experience in the fields comes from a B.S. in business administration from SUNY Oswego and an M.B.A. from Dowling College.
In her new position she now serves as the chief financial officer of all aspects of school business. She also is in charge of the budgetary system and oversees personnel, facilities and the district clerk sectors.
“The transition, I think has gone very smoothly,” DiCapua said of the recent move to a new district. “We’re undergoing a comprehensive restructure project and I’ve been working very closely with Al Chase and the superintendent. School businesses generally operate the same but there are differences in each one. I feel privileged to bring my expertise to such a high regarded school.”
The goal at the new position for DiCapua is to keep the school on the same trajectory that they have been on. She sees it as a tribute to the board and district on what they have already done in maximizing the budget at a time where the economy was in turmoil.
While the school is certainly getting an experienced professional to benefit their district, DiCapua also gets something back from the job she is doing for the school.
“I really enjoy doing it,” she said. “I love my job, I love my day, I love the challenge. I have a background in business and finance and Garden City is very active. It’s thrilling and a challenge I look forward to.”
