Brenden Cusack Thrives in New District Office Post

Brenden Cusack’s transition to assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Huntington UFSD is complete as the seasoned administrator is thriving after moving to the central office from his previous post as high school principal.

“The transition from Huntington High School to the district office has been both challenging and rewarding,” Mr. Cusack said.  It is truly a new perspective being part of a district-wide team. Our district is vast in its needs and resources and it is quite amazing to see the depth and breadth of all that goes into our programs throughout the district.”

Mr. Cusack serves in the district cabinet alongside Superintendent Beth M. McCoy, Deputy Superintendent Christopher J. Hender and Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Dr. Rubie R. Harris.

“The priorities are many as I’m learning the finer points of this position and I’m grateful for all of the support I’ve been given thus far,” Mr. Cusack said. “It has been so helpful that Mrs. McCoy held this position prior, as I’m able to simply walk one door down the hallway to ask a question, get clarification and learn something new every day. Mr. Hender and Dr. Harris have also been instrumental in helping me to acclimate to my new role and I can’t thank them enough for their ongoing support. The job is vast and I continuously remind myself that as with anything new, it will take time to master the various aspects of the position.”

Mr. Cusack officially joined the district’s central administration on July 9, 2024. Prior to that he had been Huntington High School’s principal since July 1, 2015. He 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.

Prior to being named principal, Mr. Cusack served as the high school’s 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.

A Freeport High School English teacher for eight years, Mr. Cusack taught Advanced Placement literature and theatre arts, served as a class advisor for four years, chaired the Middle States Committee on Educational Programs and produced school plays. He also was employed as an assistant principal of the Freeport School District’s summer school program and assistant principal and principal of the Western Suffolk BOCES regional summer school.

“I most certainly do miss the high school and everyone in it, but I also truly enjoy being in all of our buildings,” Mr. Cusack said. “Seeing elementary, intermediate and middle school students in action with the guidance of their teachers is really very inspirational and heartwarming. One day I came in to observe a kindergarten lesson and as I sat down, I was met with wide eyes and the comment, ‘You’re so big!’ The kids are so adorable and I love interacting with them and watching them thrive. It makes it easy to remember why we all do what we do each day.”

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 could 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 under Mr. Cusack’s leadership during his 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.

“I am happy to see that the work our kids are doing at every level is rigorous and connected to both prior and future learning experiences,” Mr. Cusack said. “I can see now how all of our instruction fits together and builds throughout each grade level. As I’ve been at the secondary level for the last 28 years, having the opportunity to see how all of the pieces fit together from pre-K through senior year provides a wonderful sense of clarity.”

This marks Mr. Cusack’s 29th year in education. He participated in school leadership training at Harvard College in 2015. He’s a big fan of the fine and performing arts as well as sports.

“My priorities this year, aside from learning as much as possible and getting the hang of things, have included supporting teachers who are in their first few years of teaching in our district, collaborating with administrators on the many PBIS initiatives throughout each of our buildings, refining MTSS practices, supporting the development of new curriculum in all areas of instruction, beginning the process of revamping our K-6 report cards, providing overall support to our administrative team across all buildings and departments and many more items,” Mr. Cusack said. “I believe that the district’s strategic plan will help to bring a unified focus to all of these priorities, along with a mechanism by which to track progress and navigate changes along the way. I am looking forward to continuing this work as part of the central cabinet and I am ever grateful to be a part of our awesome school district.”