Anthony Barbetta served the students and families of NYC for nearly 31 years. During these years
he served as Principal for 16 years and as an Assistant Principal for 7 years. He served in an array of
different schools, educating all types of student groups. He served as Assistant Principal of Safety
and Security at Forest Hills High School. In this capacity, he implemented several reforms to ensure
student safety. He also worked with the community to promote a positive school culture that
included adding school clubs, Multi-culture shows and school trips. While serving at Thomas Edison
Career and Technical Education High School as the Assistant Principal of Social Studies/Foreign
Language, he introduced technology to all classrooms and increased the number of student
activities, clubs and competitions. He also was a Textbook Advisor for Prentice Hall Publishing.
Mr. Barbetta served as Principal Thomas Edison Career and Technical High School, Townsend Harris
High School and Robert F. Kennedy Community High School. With collaboration of the entire school
community, tremendous progress and achievements were accomplished. At Edison the
establishment PLC’s increased a focused on Professional Development, student progress, and
curriculum improvements. A successful ICT program was introduced and implemented giving all
student access to the vast number of CTE options. All of the CTE programs received large grants to
update technology, classrooms and curriculums. The graduation rate increased from 82% to 90%.
While Principal at Townsend Harris High School, Mr. Barbetta continued to maintain the schools
excellent academic reputation. The school was ranked in the top 10 in US World and News. The
school had a 100% graduation rate with 100% of students attending college. During his tenure, he
helped to restructure the partnership between Townsend Harris and Queens College. All seniors are
engaged in the college experience, taking classes at the college, seminars on and off campus and
participate in college activities. Worked with parents, alumni, and students to increase clubs,
competitions and trips. Through various grants, the entire school received technology upgrades.
Mr. Barbetta also at times supervised the social studies, LOTE, and Special education departments.
Mr. Barbetta finished his career at Robert F. Kennedy Community High School. While principal, Mr.
Barbetta collaborate with school community to revamp the school’s curriculum. He eliminated
remedial classes and added 9 Advanced Placement courses as well as Honors classes, and
technology classes. There was also increase in college partnerships. This included partnerships with
Vaugh College, SUNY Farmingdale, SUNY Albany, Queens College, and Queensborough Community
College. The graduation rate increased from 80% to 94%, this includes a 90% graduation rate for
SWD, and 86% for SWD, well above the city’s rates.
Mr. Barbetta’s personal achievements include: being A Cahn Fellow for Distinguished Principals at
Columbia University, Administrator of the Year, Education Update, and Administrator of the Year,
NYS Council on Leadership and Student Activities. He also received a Highly Effective Rating for 14
out of 16 years as a Principal. He and his community have increased graduation and college ready
rates for all student populations.