Lakeland has long been more than a workplace for Christopher Cummings. It’s the district where he grew up, met his late wife, and began his career as a music teacher.
After more than 23 years with the Lakeland Central School District, including a decade leading Lakeland High School, Cummings is stepping down. For him, the timing felt right—exactly marking the 10-year anniversary of his tenure as principal.
After his wife, Lauren, passed away at age 41 in May 2024, Cummings returned to work.
“Sometimes it's a good thing, it helps you focus," he told Yorktown News. "But that next year, I thought about maybe doing something different.”
Although he isn’t sure what comes next, he made the decision after a period of reflection. He said he’s enjoyed all of his years at Lakeland, and the choice to step down was solely his to make.
“Whether it's a different path in education, even just in a different environment, I’ve decided to take some time to look at different opportunities that have been presented to me," he said. "Life is too short to pass up potential opportunities.”
Cummings said his philosophy as an educator has always been to make his students “feel safe and welcomed.” He said strong relationships with students and families have been key to effective teaching and building a resilient school culture in the face of major challenges.
“Those connections also helped us navigate some very challenging times, including personal hardships and the COVID pandemic,” Cummings said. “I truly believe our school was able to move through those moments as smoothly as possible because of the strength of our team and community.”
While admitting that Lakeland, like many high schools, can be like “a dysfunctional family,” Cummings said students also show their appreciation for teachers and staff in surprising ways. As he was grieving Lauren’s passing, they organized sympathy cards; when he stepped down, they held a parade in his honor — gestures that reflect the impact he has had on students and allow him to step away with a “grateful” heart.
“When I reflect on my time at Lakeland, what stands out most are the relationships I’ve built with students, staff, and families," he said. "To me, that has always been the most important part of the job. Everyone wants to feel respected, whether it’s an incoming ninth-grade student or a teacher with 30 years of experience. I’ve always believed that kindness, respect, and staying steady go a long way in building a strong school community that one can be proud of.
“Being relatably visible, honest and ethical are all traits I believe firmly in. “
Earlier this month, the Lakeland Central School District named Alfonse Davino, who had been serving as assistant principal, interim principal of Lakeland High School.
Cummings said he has been fortunate over the years to work with a strong administrative team, including Davino, Assistant Principal Samantha Stein, and Supervisor of Alternative Programs Mel Rafferty.
“Their leadership and support have played a big role in the success of the school,” he said with a nod to both his and the school's future. “Lakeland is in good hands."
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