Superintendent Presents Overview of New Strategic Plan

Huntington UFSD has a new strategic plan. Superintendent Beth McCoy presented an overview of a “Blueprint for Excellence,” as the plan is called, during a public meeting of the Huntington School Board earlier this week.

“It has never been more important to be focused, aligned and intentional in our work,” wrote Mrs. McCoy and Huntington Board of Education President Xavier Palacios in a joint letter accompanying the strategic plan document. “We are very excited to share the results of our collaborative efforts to develop plans that will help us to continue growing and improving as we always strive for excellence. Our ‘Blueprint for Excellence’ is the result of planning sessions that were held with our board of education, leadership team, staff, parents and community members. We worked with feedback gathered from the community this fall as we developed a plan that will help us continue to grow and achieve as we strive for excellence in all that we do.”

The new plan has been in development since last October, when community feedback was gathered. Blueprint planning brought together representatives of stakeholder groups from across the district. Priority areas include Academic Excellence, The Student Experience, Operations and Family and Community Engagement. The full plan along with Mrs. McCoy’s overview presentation are both posted on district’s website at www.hufsd.edu.

“This updated strategic plan will be the backbone for our work,” states the joint letter by Mrs. McCoy and Mr. Palacios. “It will serve as a roadmap in our efforts to connect with each child and family while enhancing our connections as a school and a community. We’re in this together and look forward to being your teammate in our continued effort to be a model school district of excellence.

Who We Are

Our shared core purpose, aspirations and expectations are clear.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to nurture the whole child academically, socially and emotionally by providing all students with meaningful opportunities and experiences within a caring environment, empowering them to become compassionate and productive members of their community.

Our Vision

Empathy, excellence and high expectations move us forward as a united community. Together, we learn, grow, and thrive, celebrating achievements and inspiring one another to reach new heights. Together we succeed.

Our Core Values

We believe that we can achieve our vision and accomplish our mission if, in all of our work, we will strive to uphold the following core values:

Excellence and High Expectations: Championing a culture of achievement by setting ambitious academic and personal standards. Empowering students to excel through critical thinking, problem-solving, and a dedication to lifelong learning.

Children First: Supporting academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being for balanced and holistic growth. Prioritizing the needs, interests, and well-being of students in every decision, policy, and action taken within the school system.

Collaboration and Transparency: Strengthening relationships through open communication, trust, and shared responsibility. Working together as a united community to achieve common goals.

Compassion and Empathy: Cultivating a caring and supportive community by demonstrating kindness, understanding, and a commitment to meeting the needs of others.

Equity and Inclusivity: Ensuring fairness, embracing diversity, and creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

Integrity and Respect: Leading with honesty, fairness, and accountability.

Encouraging open-mindedness and fostering respectful dialogue to build trust and understanding.

Our Plan

“The Huntington Union Free School District’s Blueprint for Excellence is a visionary framework designed to nurture the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally,” states the plan. “Grounded in its mission to provide meaningful opportunities within a caring environment, the district seeks to empower students to become compassionate and productive members of their community. The vision emphasizes Empathy, Excellence and High Expectations, fostering a united community where achievements are celebrated, and individuals are inspired to reach new heights together. This shared commitment underpins the district’s philosophy that ‘Together, we succeed,’ ensuring that the entire community thrives through collaboration and mutual growth.

“The district's core values guide its actions and decisions. These include a steadfast focus on Excellence and High Expectations, championing a culture of achievement and lifelong learning through critical thinking and problem-solving. The district prioritizes Children First, supporting students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being to ensure balanced growth. Equity and inclusivity are at the forefront, fostering fairness and respect while creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. With Integrity and Respect and a commitment to Compassion and Empathy, the district cultivates a supportive, transparent, and collaborative community where trust and understanding thrive.

“The district’s priorities and goals align with this mission and vision, focusing on four key areas. The Academic Excellence priority aims to equip students with foundational and advanced skills needed for success in post- secondary education and the workforce. Under The Student Experience, the district is committed to ensuring equitable access and enriching opportunities tailored to students' diverse developmental needs. Operations focuses on safety, security, and equitable resource allocation, ensuring a supportive environment for students and staff. Finally, Family and Community Engagement emphasizes meaningful partnerships with families, fostering their involvement from early childhood through high school.

“Together, these elements create a comprehensive blueprint for fostering a thriving educational ecosystem. The district’s mission, vision, core values, and priorities reflect its dedication to empowering students, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive and dynamic community. By staying true to its commitments, the Huntington Union Free School District ensures that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive and caring environment.”