As the 2025-2026 school year kicks off, we say goodbye to the past and hello to the future! It is with great excitement and anticipation, Hawthorne Public Schools welcomes their new Superintendent, Mr. Mignanelli! Mr. Mignanelli is beginning his first year of Super intending in Hawthorne, working alongside our communities Board of Education, and gifted staff members that belong to our schools. I had the pleasure of getting to sit down with Mr. Mignanelli and talk about this bright new beginning for everyone. Let’s just say, our schools are in very good hands.
HHS CLARION: Before you started your career in education, what college did you attend?
Mr. Mignanelli: I attended college at Quinnipiac University. I went in as a clinical psychology major for 4 years. I loved it. Regardless of what career you go into; any career, understanding the people you’re working with and how you can impact them is extremely important. Before I started teaching, I attended Mercy College in New York, where I received my masters in clinical psychology. I started my career teaching in New York. When teaching psychology in New York, I fell in love with it immediately.
HHS CLARION: Where did you previously work before arriving at Hawthorne?
Mr. Mignanelli: After 8 years in New York, I began teaching in Wayne Valley High School, and it was like a dream come true. I loved learning about psychology and now I can teach teenagers about psychology. Wayne Town Public Schools had 15 schools, and 10,000 kids. I taught for 5 years, before becoming the assistant principal for 4 years at the middle school. I then became the director of secondary education; 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 6,000 kids.
HHS CLARION: What drew you to work in this town?
Mr. Mignanelli: I didn’t know a lot about Hawthorne. When this job opportunity came up, I knew I was looking at becoming a superintendent at some point. It sounded like a cool town. So I drove here. Walked down Lafayette, and immediately fell in love with the small town. All the local family owned businesses, community base, everyone knows everyone type feel.
HHS CLARION: What inspired/led you to become a Superintendent ?
Mr. Mignanelli: I have always felt fit to be in a leadership position. Starting as a middle school administrator, then becoming director, and experiencing everything possible at Wayne, being a director felt like being superintendent of 5 secondary schools. It felt like preparation, and feels similar to the position I am in right now.
HHS CLARION: Do you have any goals or a main goal for this school year of what you want to achieve?
Mr. Mignanelli: Communication is the biggest thing. Being able to highlight the great things here in Hawthorne with the community, and making sure they are informed on the opportunities being presented towards them. Anything that can allow me to work with the community, and that can allow students to be successful. Also building career pathways. How can we make sure our students are career prepared upon graduating from our schools? To be academically ready, and know what is ahead of them, that way they can be successful.
HHS CLARION: What is your advice to the students for good year?
Mr. Mignanelli: I think it is important to recognize that each new year brings new opportunities. I used to have a sign in my office that said, “Make the present good. And the rest will take care of itself.” It’s about what you can control and what you can’t. Focus on what you can control, and what you are able to do, and the rest will follow.
HHS CLARION: What is your favorite thing about the community here so far?
Mr. Mignanelli: My favorite thing about Hawthorne so far has to be the people. Between the administrators, which are great, the teachers, who are fantastic, and now I’m starting to get to know the students. Even walking into the building today, I had an experience of a student wave and saying hello to me. People here are friendly, welcoming, and supportive.
HHS CLARION: Straying away from the work related questions, that way our community can get to know more about you, who is your favorite sports team?
Mr. Mignanelli: Notre Dame. Huge Notre Dame fan. I am also a Yankees fan, because I grew up in New York. The New York Nets too. I can’t say I am a Giant or a Jets fan because both teams aren’t so good. But yeah, mostly Notre Dame.
HHS CLARION: And what do you like to do on your time off from work, to stay grounded?
Mr. Mignanelli: I like to hang out with my family. I have 2 kids, 13 and 10 years old. I play the drums, love music. I like exercising, hiking, and fishing.
As you can see, Hawthorne has struck gold with a Superintendent like Mr. Mignanelli! He is someone who is not only going to lead our schools to victory, but our students as well. He is an ethical, compassionate, and honorable leader, who could not have been more of a perfect fit for our schools! Thank you Mr. Mignanelli! Hawthorne welcomes you with open arms into our community!