Huntington School Board Names New Superintendent, After Sudden Resignation

By Thomas Nothel

After going through four School Superintendents in one year, the Huntington School Board has named Beth Anne McCoy as Superintendent of the Huntington School District.  She replaces Christian Bowen, who resigned suddenly in May, with no explanation, after less than a year on the job.

Bowen resigned last month, and Dr. Alan Groveman served for the past three weeks as interim superintendent until the Board was able to select a replacement.

Bowen was hired in July 2023.  He worked until September 1, 2023 as deputy Superintendent, transitioning into the position of Superintendent with retirement of Superintendent James Polansky.

On May 22nd, the Board of Education accepted the resignation of Bowen and named Dr. Alan Groveman interim superintendent, effective May 23rd.

"We are confident that Ms. McCoy will bring strong leadership and a fresh perspective to our schools,” stated Huntington School Board President Xavier Palacios, who would not comment on the reasons for Bowen’s abrupt resignation.

McCoy joined the District in 2017 as Assistant Superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the district.

She previously worked as executive manager of curriculum, instruction and technology at Nassau BOCES, Principal of the Schwarting Elementary School in Plainedge for six years, and as the Assistant Principal of Eastport Elementary School in 2007.

The Huntington Board of Education also appointed Christopher Hender to the position Deputy Superintendent.

Hender has worked in the Huntington district office for many years. He served five years as human resources administrator before being named assistant superintendent on September 13, 2022.

Hender has been member of Huntington’s faculty since February 2008. He served as a fifth grade inclusion teacher at Woodhull Intermediate School.  He also worked with third graders in the district’s special education summer program for many years.