Brenden Cusack Appointed Assistant Superintendent

Brenden Cusack is joining Huntington UFSD’s central administration team after Huntington School Board members appointed the veteran high school principal as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. A search will commence immediately for his successor as principal.

Mr. Cusack earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education at SUNY New Paltz in 1995 and a Master of Science degree in adolescent education/English 7-12 at CUNY Queens College in 2002. He obtained a professional diploma in school administration and supervision at CUNY-Queens College in 2005. He is entering his 29th year in education.

The longtime educator had been Huntington High School’s principal since July 1, 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Cusack served as assistant principal for three years. He earlier worked as assistant principal at Hicksville High School for three years. Prior to that position, he was an administrative dean at Walt Whitman High School for four years.

Mr. Cusack will be filling a position left vacant when trustees elevated its previous incumbent, Beth McCoy to serve as superintendent. The central office team also includes Deputy Superintendent Christopher Hender and Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Dr. Rubie Harris.

“It is truly an honor to join the central office team and I am so grateful for the opportunity to take this next step in our amazing district,” Mr. Cusack said. “It is very hard, however, to make the move away from the high school where I have spent over a decade building so many relationships with our students, their families as well as our faculty and staff.  My time as principal at HHS is something I will never forget.  We have made great strides together for our students over the years and in the process, I have made so many memories and so many dear friends. Thankfully, I will only be about a minute or two down the road.”

After coming to Huntington in 2012, Mr. Cusack embraced the high school’s academic, co-curricular and athletic programs and worked tirelessly to improve the student experience. He is often be found during after school and evening hours attending games, plays, concerts and induction ceremonies as well as meeting with students and parents.

Many new courses, programs, spirit activities and extracurricular opportunities were initiated during Mr. Cusack’s time at the high school. He has been widely known as an advocate for students and staff members and as an approachable, receptive and understanding building leader. Now, the high school’s longtime principal is ready for a new challenge as assistant superintendent.

“My first steps in this new role most certainly include helping to provide a seamless transition to new leadership at the high school,” Mr. Cusack said. “Together, we will ensure that everyone has what they need to continue providing an excellent education for all of our students. I am also looking forward to creating many new connections throughout the district and learning the nuances of this new position. It is an exciting time, for sure, and a nostalgic one as well. Again, I could not be more grateful for my time in Huntington thus far and I am excited for the many great years ahead.”