Mr. Huntington: A Leader in Education and Community Engagement

Huntington UFSD’s central office executive team includes Superintendent Beth McCoy, Deputy Superintendent Christopher J. Hender, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Dr. Rubie Harris and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Brenden Cusack. Many others work in the district office and perform vital functions, but the four aforementioned administrators form what’s known as the “cabinet.”

Mr. Hender is well into his career in the district, which began as a special education at Woodhull Intermediate School. He’s emerged as a dedicated leader, innovative administrator and an advocate for students, parents and educators.

“Huntington UFSD has always been a leader and it will remain so,” Mr. Hender said. “Our community expects excellence and that’s what we pursue each day. Our students are spectacular and our faculty and staff that work with them daily are completely committed to helping them reach all of their goals.”

Mr. Hender holds an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Finance from Georgetown University and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. He has equipped himself with the expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of educational administration. His journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Study with a concentration in Speech and a Master of Arts in Literacy both from St. Joseph’s College.

A Champion for Educators and Students

In current position, Mr. Hender oversees critical administrative functions such as personnel management, hiring, budgeting and compliance with educational policies. He is instrumental in maintaining personnel records, ensuring proper staffing projections, and handling negotiations with the district’s collective bargaining units. He also serves as the acting superintendent when needed, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Beyond administrative duties, Mr. Hender is deeply involved in fostering a supportive environment for educators. He oversees the district’s new teacher mentor program and plays a pivotal role in teacher evaluations through the Danielson Framework. His work ensures that Huntington’s educators receive the resources and guidance necessary to thrive. He also manages the digital portfolio process for all probationary staff and reviews Holt letters from building principals and department directors.

Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Hender has demonstrated a commitment to innovation in educational leadership. His responsibilities as residency director and hearing officer highlight his dedication to student welfare, ensuring fair enrollment procedures and addressing McKinney-Vento cases. He has also served as the pandemic coordinator, overseeing the implementation of reopening plans, testing protocols, and vaccination rollouts based on health and safety recommendations.

Mr. Hender’s role extends to coordinating transportation services, where he manages student routing, communicates with parents and oversees the district's use of Transfinder software. Additionally, he is responsible for data collection related to the Basic Education Data System (BEDS) and the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) process.

Before stepping into administrative roles, Mr. Hender spent nearly a decade as a fifth-grade special education inclusion teacher at Woodhull Intermediate School. During this time, he not only excelled in the classroom, but also took on leadership roles such as student government advisor and newspaper club advisor. His contributions to school safety, curriculum development and student engagement further underscore his dedication to education.

Mr. Hender’s influence extends beyond the school district. His past roles as secretary of the Associated Teachers of Huntington, central treasurer and local action project coordinator highlight his commitment to advocacy and community involvement. He has played an integral role in improving member engagement, fostering community relationships, and spearheading initiatives that benefit students and educators alike.

Recognition and Accomplishments

Mr. Hender’s outstanding service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Teacher Service Award (2016, 2021), SEPTA awards and grants and recognition as a New York State Teacher’s Retirement System delegate and NYSUT delegate. These honors and positions are a testament to the high regard in which he is held.

With his wealth of experience and passion for education, Mr. Hender continues to shape the future of Huntington UFSD. His leadership, advocacy, and innovative approaches make him an indispensable asset to the community. As he forges ahead, his influence will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in Huntington’s educational landscape, earning him the fitting title of “Mr. Huntington.”