Valley Stream Central High School Principal Candace Hugee resigns amid dispute with district
Valley Stream Central High School. Credit: Newsday / Drew Singh
Valley Stream Central High School's principal resigned Friday, weeks after news that she would be replaced this summer caused an uproar among some parents and students.
The school board accepted Candace Hugee's resignation at a special meeting Friday night. Steven Gilhuley, the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, was named acting principal, effective Monday.
No community members attended the meeting.
"Ms. Candace Hugee has resigned as a Tenured Principal of Valley Stream Central High School ... and the dispute regarding this matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties," district Superintendent Wayne Loper said in a statement to Newsday.
The board also voted to accept a settlement agreement Friday, according to a district spokesman.
Hugee's lawyer, Frederick K. Brewington, confirmed before the meeting that his client had reached an agreement with the district. He was not immediately available for further comment Friday night.
Announcement criticized
Loper had announced in March that Bret Strauss, currently principal of Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School, would replace Hugee in July. Hugee had been hired in July 2023 to serve a three-year probationary period.
Brewington has said Hugee was "blindsided" by the news and that he was “concerned" about the district's actions, "in particular with regard to their actions against this African American woman.”
Some parents and students also criticized the move, citing the need for greater transparency and a push for increased community involvement. A student launched an online petition calling for Hugee’s reinstatement, which has amassed more than 800 signatures.
During a public board meeting Tuesday, some parents continued to urge officials for more disclosure and accountability.
“I've been speaking to a lot of people in the community who are concerned about the transparency of the hiring and firing of personnel at the school, and I have a question of when is there a procedure, or if there's policy in place for hiring if someone is being replaced for any reason,” Keith Davidson, 46, whose son attends the school, told the board.
In response, Loper referred to district policy on the district's website.
There were also a few parents who spoke in support of new leadership at Central High.
Noemi Diaz, 50, whose son graduated from the school in 2025, said, “I would be more concerned … if the district’s decision had been influenced by fear of public perception rather than what is best for our students.”
Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.
