Dr. Piccirillo is humbled and honored to lead the Newton Public Schools as superintendent.

Dr. Piccirillo grew up in Sussex County and graduated from Vernon Township High School. Upon graduation, he moved to New York City to attend New York University -- where he met his wife -- and later began his career as a high school teacher in Queens teaching music and theatre. After spending many years in the classroom, he left the city to become an administrator and has since held nearly every role in administration -- including department chair, supervisor, principal, director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent -- across three school districts. Most recently, he served as the superintendent for the Hopatcong Borough Schools.

Dr. Piccirillo has an earned doctorate from the University of Mary and also holds degrees and credentials from New York University, Rider University, and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. His academic and professional expertise lie in applied virtue ethics -- about which he wrote his doctoral dissertation, student-centered and personalized learning, career and technical education, grant writing, and community partnerships. Dr. Piccirillo believes in the importance of giving back to the profession. He currently serves as the President of the Sussex County Superintendents' Roundtable Association and has been a mentor for new principals through the NJDOE Leaders to Leaders program for several years. He also regularly presents at State and National Conferences and continues to contribute to academic research and projects. In November, 2025 he was recognized as an Honored Listee for Marquis Who's Who - a prestigious distinction which he will hold through 2029.

When he isn't at work, Dr. Piccirillo enjoys watching the Knicks and Yankees, reading, praying, cooking, and spending time with his wife [Caitlin] and their three children [Leo, Lucia, and Marco]. He and Caitlin are active members of their community and church and also run a nonprofit organization called the DESSH Foundation, in support of their son  Leo. In addition to his work in education, Dr. Piccirillo is also an accomplished musician and has worked with some of the world's greatest orchestras and soloists as both a singer and conductor. While no longer an active musician, he had previously worked for several years as a conductor at Carnegie Hall and most recently led the Sussex County Oratorio Society and taught music at Sussex County Community College.

Dr. Piccirillo enjoys being a part of the proud tradition of the Newton Braves and looks forward to leading the district for many years to come.

Dr. Piccirillo began as Newton's superintendent in December 2022 and is under contract through June 2030.