Donna Nugent Appointed Special Ed Chair, K-6

Longtime Huntington UFSD faculty member Donna Nugent has been appointed to serve as the district’s K-6 grade level special education chair. Huntington School Board members voted unanimously to elevate the classroom veteran during a public meeting in early July.

Ms. Nugent obtained a bachelor of science degree in elementary education with a concentration in English at SUNY Oswego and a master of science in special education at Dowling College. She earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership at the College of St. Rose.

Ms. Nugent came to the district in 2002. She’s well known as a dedicated educational leader with more than decades of experience in Huntington UFSD, serving in special education, administrative and union leadership roles. She possesses extensive knowledge of special education law, IEP development, compliance, transition planning, and student support services.

Ms. Nugent has displayed a proven ability to build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community agencies while fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Experienced in staff collaboration, professional development, data driven instruction and has spearheaded a variety of school leadership initiatives.

The longtime educator has served on numerous school and district committees, including shared decision making team, PBIS team, leadership team, school safety team, transition team and advisory committee. She served as a high school advisor for the Classes of 2013, 2018 and 2022.

Ms. Nugent has been an Associated Teachers of Huntington building representative, treasurer and vice president over the past 20 years. She was Huntington’s alternative high school principal from 2008-2010.

Ms. Nugent’s core competencies include Special Education Law & Compliance, IEP Development & Program Implementation, Transition Planning & Postsecondary Readiness, Family & Community Engagement, Staff Supervision & Professional Development, Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring, Collaborative Leadership & Problem-Solving and Program Development & Student Advocacy.