From her early years as a middle school math teacher to serving as Interim Superintendent, Mrs. Cannetti’s career has been defined by compassion, leadership, and dedication to students and staff. Lori Cannetti reflects on her 28-year career in the Patchogue-Medford School District.
When asked what most shaped her philosophy as an educator and leader, Mrs. Cannetti said her experiences in the classroom had the greatest impact.
“That’s what it’s all about, being with the children,” she explained.
Throughout her career, she has focused on being approachable and supportive while always remembering why educators choose the profession in the first place: making a difference in students’ lives. According to Cannetti, students may not remember every lesson they learned, but they will always remember how they were treated.
Mrs. Cannetti’s time working at the elementary, middle, and district levels also helped shape her approach to leadership. Much of her career was spent in middle school education, a level she described as challenging but rewarding because of the opportunity to help guide students during an important stage of development.
Later, after becoming a parent herself, she transitioned to the elementary level, where she felt she connected more deeply with families. She recalled comforting a kindergarten student who cried every morning when being dropped off at school, explaining that moments like those reminded her that being a principal often meant acting like a parent as well.
As Interim Superintendent, Mrs. Cannetti said she has always tried to remain “human” and approachable. Whether speaking with students, teachers, custodians, or security staff, she believes everyone in the district deserves equal respect.
“Titles don’t define you,” she said, emphasizing the importance of making every member of the school community feel valued.
Among the accomplishments she is most proud of is the growth of the district’s bilingual education program. What once existed in only one elementary school has expanded into four schools across the district.
Mrs. Cannetti also highlighted the district’s Seal of Biliteracy program, which recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages.
In addition, she played a major role in creating the district’s updated class ranking policy, which now recognizes students with honors such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. She said the goal was to celebrate a wider range of student achievements rather than limiting recognition to only a few students.
Mrs. Cannetti shared stories of supporting families during difficult times, including helping an employee struggling financially and comforting students coping with personal loss. For Cannetti, these moments of kindness and connection are what matter most.
“Sometimes we are the only person that some of our students have that care for them,” she said.
When asked what advice she would give to students considering careers in education or leadership, Mrs. Cannetti acknowledged that leadership can be difficult. Leaders must make tough decisions and accept that not everyone will agree with them. However, she said the key is always acting in the best interest of students and the community.
“You have to have thick skin,” she explained, “but you can really have significant change on an organization if you do it right.”
As she prepares to retire, Mrs. Cannetti hopes her lasting legacy will be the relationships she built throughout the district. She described Patchogue-Medford as a family and said she hopes the community knows how deeply she cares about it. After nearly three decades in the district, Mrs. Cannetti says she never wanted to leave because of the strong connections she formed with students, staff, and families.
“I hope they know that I cared,” Cannetti said. “I love everyone here, and I hope they continue to thrive even beyond me.”
