Huntington UFSD Has a New Superintendent

Huntington UFSD students, staff members and parents will be seeing a new face around the district. Christian Bowen assumed the position of superintendent of schools on Saturday, September 2. He replaces James W. Polansky who retired after 12 years of notable service to the community.

Mr. Bowen brings with him to Huntington two decades of experience as a teacher and administrator. He served for two weeks as deputy superintendent in the district, working alongside Mr. Polansky, before ascending to the top post. He previously worked as the Valley Stream Central High School District’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, a position he has held for four years. He earlier served as that district’s director of instructional services.

A lead math teacher, programmer and data specialist at the School for International Studies in Brooklyn from September 2003 to June 2012, Mr. Bowen moved into the administrative ranks as Rocky Point’s coordinator of mathematics and instructional data and later worked as Plainview-Old Bethpage’s district-wide mathematics chairperson.

Mr. Bowen holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Science degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science in Adolescent Education and Master of Science in School Leadership degrees, both from Pace University. He is pursuing a doctorate in transformational leadership at Long Island University.

A graduate of Carle Place High School, Mr. Bowen resides in Massapequa with his wife and two sons.

On his first full day as Huntington superintendent, Mr. Bowen attended the Blue Devil varsity boys’ soccer team’s home game against Smithtown West, watching from the sidelines before briefly chatting with the players and taking a photo with the group.

Mr. Bowen also visited the varsity football team’s practice. Head coach Ron Wilson introduced the new superintendent to the players before Mr. Bowen briefly addressed the team, noting the he played football at Johns Hopkins and wishing the squad well as it embarks on its 100th anniversary season.