John DeStefano has spent over 30 years in education at the collegiate and high school levels. A lifelong musician and educator at heart, John built his career from the ground up, starting as a music teacher and band director before advancing to district leadership. He spent 13 years as Central’s director of bands, growing the program’s reputation for excellence, before stepping into his current dual role as assistant principal at Central High School and director of fine arts for Forest Hills Public Schools, a position he’s now held for 15 years.
John holds a bachelor’s of music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in music education and percussion pedagogy from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Throughout his career, John has championed the arts with a focus on belonging and student growth, leading with passion, collaboration, and dedication to helping every student reach their full potential. Outside of work, John still coaches the FHC drumline and enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and their three children, all five die-hard Pittsburgh sports fans.