Jenna Prada for HUFSD Trustee

NYS parents - there's a lot going on with our state education department, including important conversations about new graduation requirements that will impact students soon. There's an opportunity to participate in a thought exchange (like the one HUFSD did here in Huntington!) about these changes here https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/361780504/welcome You can also generally learn more on the NYSED website (link on the photos).

Fabulous to see our community collaborating to support kids through the most difficult times in their lives.
Que bueno saber que toda la comunidad colabora para apoyar a los niños en sus momentos más difíciles.

Huntington Collaborates on Handle with Care Pilot Program...

Huntington UFSD’s participation in a collaborative pilot program dubbed “Handle with Care” kicked off at a press conference at J. Taylor Finley Middle School on Tuesday.

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Suffolk Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon Jr., Huntington UFSD Superintendent Beth McCoy and Huntington School Board President Xavier Palacios were all on hand at the press conference.

The new program is designed to support students when the sheriff’s office responds to their home. “Handle With Care” is modeled after a nationally recognized program that has demonstrated positive outcomes in student well-being, school climate, and community trust.

The Huntington School Board previously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office covering the new program, “which aims to create a more sensitive and supportive environment for children who may have witnessed or experienced traumatic events.”

The new initiative allows law enforcement to notify schools when a child may be impacted by a traumatic incident, without disclosing specific details. This notification will simply indicate the address and a code, enabling educators to be more attuned to the child's needs upon their return to school.

Read more at www.hufsd.edu

Wishing all the kids in HUFSD and incredible fist day of school!
¡Les deseo a todos los niños de Huntington Union Free School District un excelente primer día de escuela!

3 cheers for Huntington for handedly passing this year's budget so that our kids can continue to benefit from the wide variety of programs our district offers!

Thanks also for giving me the opportunity to support our kids! My offers to chat about your thoughts for schools and our kids still stands.

Budget & Capital Propositions Pass; Jon Weston and Jenna Prada Elected Trustees

After a long process stretching over several months, the votes have finally been tabulated. Huntington UFSD residents overwhelmingly approved the proposed budget and two separate capital reserve fund propositions and elected first time candidates Jon Weston and Jenna Prada to the Huntington School Board during 15 hours of voting at Huntington High School on Tuesday.

The $157,776,153 spending plan for the 2025/26 school year passed, 789-200. A proposition seeking the release of $3,642,500 from the Building Improvement Fund for various renovation and repair projects also sailed through, 835-146.

A second capital reserve proposition seeking authorization to create a new Building Improvement Fund for a probable term of 10 years in the ultimate amount of $15 million also passed, 831-153. The district will use annual surplus monies, if any, to fund the new Building Improvement Fund.

The district’s ongoing use of capital reserve funds is allowing Huntington UFSD to completely eliminate its bonded debt by June 30.

In the race for two seats on the Huntington School Board, voters elected Mr. Weston (788 votes) and Ms. Prada (768 votes), who both ran unopposed. They will take the seats of current trustees Michele Kustera and Bill Dwyer, who did not run for re-election.

The terms of the trustees-elect will commence on July 1 and run through June 30, 2028. About 1,000 residents voted on Tuesday. Absentee ballots totaled 43. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the district.

🗳️ Today’s the day to vote!

Even though the school board race is uncontested this year, your vote is still essential—especially to pass the school budget, which funds the programs and staff our students rely on.

🖼️ While you’re at the high school, make sure to check out the districtwide art show happening tonight! There are even student-designed fashion shows at 4pm and 7pm—with students modeling their own creations. It’s a great night to be part of our amazing Huntington community.

📍Polls are open until 9pm at Huntington High School.
Let’s show up for our kids in every way we can.

As a parent and candidate, I’m excited to see the district gathering input through the website and social media survey Mr. Hender sent out. If you haven’t yet, take a minute to share your thoughts! It took me about 7 minutes and is due a week from today.

Huntington UFSD Website & Social Media Community Feedback Survey Thank you for providing feedback on our district website and social media strategy. Your input is invaluable in helping us enhance communication and better serve our school community

📣 It’s official! I’m honored to be running unopposed for a seat on the Huntington Board of Education this May—and so excited for the collaboration and growth ahead. *español abajo*

I’m especially glad to be on this journey alongside Jon Weston, who’s not only a fellow candidate but also my son’s Cubmaster and den leader. Our shared commitment to kids and community makes this all the more meaningful.

A heartfelt thank you to Trustees Michele Kustera and Bill Dwyer for their years of service and dedication to Huntington students. Their leadership has made a lasting impact.

I’m looking forward to the conversations to come and to continuing to listen, connect, and contribute. 💙

📣 ¡Es oficial! Me siento honrada de postularme sin oposición para un puesto en la Junta de Educación de Huntington este mayo—y emocionada por todo lo que vendrá en esta nueva etapa de colaboración y crecimiento.

Me alegra especialmente compartir este camino con Jon Weston, quien no solo es candidato también, sino el líder del Pack y Den de los Cub Scouts de mi hijo. Nuestro compromiso compartido con los niños y la comunidad hace que esta experiencia sea aún más significativa.

Un sincero agradecimiento a los miembros salientes de la junta, Michele Kustera y Bill Dwyer, por sus años de servicio y dedicación a los estudiantes de Huntington. Su liderazgo ha dejado una huella duradera.

Espero con agradecimiento seguir escuchando, conectando y aportando a nuestra comunidad. 💙

I’m ready to support Huntington’s vision for mental health in our schools. Here’s a resource I created and shared with the teaching staff at Flower Hill when, during my time as PTA president, we donated EZ Air devices—gentle, color-shifting lights that guide slow-paced breathing—to every classroom.

Through my work with schools, community partners, and mental health providers, I’ve seen firsthand how we can make real, affordable progress.

Helping students manage stress and build self-regulation skills doesn’t just support learning—it strengthens school culture and builds a more unified community.

From coaching soccer at the Y to translating for the PTA, every part of my community work has deepened my commitment to our schools. These connections have helped me begin understand what matters most to families—and I’m excited to bring that perspective to the School Board.

Now, as I begin this campaign, I’d love to hear from you:
What issues or experiences matter most to your family?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’m listening.

I’m Jenna Prada, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Huntington School Board! (¡español abajo!)

This is a pivotal time for education—both nationally and right here in Huntington. Our state is considering major changes, like potential updates to graduation requirements that the Board of Regents will vote on when current 6th graders are freshmen. Closer to home, our superintendent just introduced a strategic plan that will shape the future of our schools. I believe this is a moment that calls for thoughtful, community-driven leadership, and I’m eager to contribute.

Eight years ago, my family chose Huntington as our home, and from day one, I’ve been actively involved—co-chairing a state-recognized PARP program, coaching YMCA soccer, tutoring at Tri-CYA, and translating for families. Supporting students and families has always been at the heart of my work. With two master’s degrees in education and nearly two decades of experience, I bring both expertise and a deep commitment to listening, asking the right questions, and advocating for every student in our district.

I’d love to hear from you—whether you have questions, ideas, or just want to chat! Let’s connect over the phone, over coffee, or in person. I’m excited about this journey and look forward to the conversations ahead.

¡Soy Jenna Prada y es con mucha emoción que me lanzo como candidata para la junta del distrito escolar de Huntington!
Es un momento importante para la educación - tanto a nivel nacional como aquí mismo en Huntington. El estado está considerando cambios grandes así como ajustes a los requerimientos de graduación que podrían afectar a los niños que ahorita están en sexto. Más cerca de casa, el superintendente de Huntington hace poco compartió un plan estratégico que informará el futuro de nuestras escuelas. Es un momento que requiere liderazgo reflexivo y enfocado a la comunidad, y estoy ansiosa por contribuir.

Hace ocho años, mi familia eligió a Huntington como hogar, y desde entonces he estado activamente involucrada - organizando programas PARP, entrenando fútbol en el YMCA, dando tutorías en el Tri-CYA, y traduciendo para la comunidad. Apoyar a los estudiantes y a las familias es el corazón de mi trabajo. Con dos maestrías en educación y casi dos décadas de experiencia, ofrezco conocimiento y un compromiso profundo de escuchar, hacer preguntas importantes, y abogar para cada estudiante del distrito.

¡Me encantaría compartir con ustedes - si tienen preguntas, ideas, o simplemente quieren charlar! Contectémonos por teléfono, con un café, o en persona. Me emociona este proceso y espero todas las conversaciones por venir.