Dr. Gretchen Rodney Appointed Director of ELA & Reading

Huntington School Board members appointed Dr. Gretchen C. Rodney as district director of English language arts and reading, K-12. She was previously the executive director of elementary education in Riverhead CSD.

Dr. Rodney earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management at Dallas Baptist University in 1994 and a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree in school leadership at the University of Texas at Dallas in 2004. She obtained a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership at St. John’s University in 2022.

“Huntington’ Public Schools’ diverse student body, its upward academic trajectory and its commitment to inclusive excellence, are all indicators of a district that embraces the challenges of today while preparing students for the possibilities of tomorrow,” Dr. Rodney said. “I am especially impressed by the district’s sustained investment in instructional improvement; an area where I have led with intention and results. I’ve prioritized support systems that elevate teacher practice and student engagement alike. My leadership is collaborative, equity-focused and grounded in real-world outcomes. I’ve built strong partnerships with families, educators, and community stakeholders to support whole-child development and meaningful achievement.”

Prior to coming to Huntington, Dr. Rodney worked as a School Within a School administrator in Dallas; as an assistant principal in Round Rock, Texas and as a secondary reading teacher in Long Beach UFSD. She was a principal in the Middle School CSD for 13 years (2011-2024) before being appointed as executive director of elementary education in Riverhead.

“Public education must be a launchpad for learning,” Dr. Rodney said. “A place where every child is empowered to explore, think critically and lead with purpose. This belief is at the heart of my professional journey and deeply aligned with Huntington Public Schools’ mission to ‘effectively teach an enriched body of knowledge through the active participation of all students,’ empowering them to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and informed citizens.”