David R. Huntington is a native of Grand Haven, MI. He began his tenure with Nenana City School District (NCSD) on July 1, 2020. Mr. Huntington holds a B.A. with secondary education certification in biology and chemistry from Grand Valley State University, as well as an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. David completed a graduate program earning his superintendent endorsement through University of Alaska Southeast in June of 2022. Mr. Huntington possesses a preK-12 administrative certificate in the state of Michigan, as well as a Type B administrative certificate with superintendent endorsement in Alaska.
Mr. Huntington’s priorities at NCS are to communicate consistently and effectively with all stakeholders, promote quality classroom instruction aligned with Visible Learning research best-practice, adopt and implementation evidence-based curriculum, and establish a culture of respect, high expectations, and continuous improvement amongst both staff and students. Principal Huntington and the teaching staff have focused on developing a common language throughout the building with respect to learning dispositions (qualities of good learners), which include; Tenacity, Curiosity, Respect, Attentive, and Pride. Mr. Huntington attempts to lead and discipline through a lens of Core Values; Resiliency, Integrity, Pursuit of Excellence and Responsibility.
Prior to NCSD, Principal Huntington served as Assistant Principal for Galena Interior Learning Academy (GILA) from 2018-2020. He also served as the Activities Director for the District.
David and his family relocated to Alaska from Kamuela, HI (located on the Big Island) in 2018, where he served as a Chemistry Instructor, Residential Faculty member, and Varsity Basketball Coach at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. As a teacher in the Science Department at this institution for over a decade, Mr. Huntington contributed greatly to HPA’s academic and residential initiatives, which are world-renowned in the private school industry.
Prior to Hawaii, Mr. Huntington had teaching and leadership experience in public, private, alternative and outdoor education in Michigan. His time in classrooms and residence halls has been instrumental in shaping his current philosophy and approach to leadership and education. Having worked with an extremely diverse student population, David is equipped with skills to meet each students’ individual needs, yet able to identify and capitalize on their unique qualities. His strong presence and personable demeanor set David apart from others, allowing him to lead students and faculty alike. In boarding school settings, these personal attributes are magnified.
An advocate for education, Principal Huntington believes there is nothing more important for our youth. He hopes to provide an abundance of support, both academic and social/emotional, to students at Nenana City School. Principal Huntington is committed to bringing the NCSD mission and vision to life - leading Nenana City School to be an exemplary rural Alaskan school. This will be accomplished through responsive, relevant, character-centered programs.