COXSACKIE, N.Y. — Currently in his 15th year leading the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, Superintendent Randall Squier has announced his retirement, effective February 9, 2026.
“This decision comes after much reflection and with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, and community since August 2011,” said Squier. “I am proud to have led C-A toward a culture of innovation, student-centered learning, and community engagement.”
During Squier’s tenure, Coxsackie-Athens has experienced significant academic and organizational growth. The district’s graduation rate has risen from 73% (2004–2011) to over 90% since 2017, while the number of college-level courses offered at the high school has expanded from 11 to 33. As a result, more than 60% of graduates since 2022 have earned 12 or more college credits prior to graduation.
A STEM program was implemented for elementary grades in 2016 and a full day universal pre-kindergarten program was started in 2022. Student support services including counseling staff have doubled during his tenure to meet the growing mental health needs of students and their families.
These advances reflect the district’s shift from a test-focused approach to one emphasizing applied learning and real-world problem solving—a transformation that positions C-A ahead of most schools as New York State transitions away from mandated exit exams.
Squier also guided the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted access to learning and implementing a dynamic hybrid model that allowed over 90% of students to return safely to in-person instruction in the fall of 2020.
Under his leadership, the district completed over $22 million in capital improvements, including new advanced manufacturing labs, safety enhancements, a modernized library, energy efficiencies, upgraded athletic facilities, and a nature trail/disc golf course. Earlier this year, voters approved an additional $17.7 million in projects to continue enhancing learning spaces across the district.
Squier’s tenure also included the district’s rebranding as the Riverhawks and the establishment of the Coxsackie-Athens Foundation for Education, which has awarded over $180,000 in grants to enrich student experiences. The Foundation also sponsors the Wall of Honor, celebrating distinguished alumni and employees.
“These accomplishments reflect the shared commitment of our staff, families, and community to helping every student graduate ready for college, careers, and life beyond high school,” Squier said. “Together, we have transformed Coxsackie-Athens into a national model of future-directed learning, where students are seen as more than a test score and are supported in achieving extraordinary success.”
As the school board president, on behalf of the Coxsackie Athens Board of Education, Michael Donahue stated, ‘we would like to thank Randy Squier for his 15 years of service to the students and families in our community as the Coxsackie Athens Central School District Superintendent. His contributions to the district are many and have included moving us toward better graduation rates, offering safe and supportive learning facilities, and working with administrative and professional staff persons to provide a wide variety of learning opportunities in many arenas leading to brighter possibilities for the future of our students.”
The Board of Education is engaged in the superintendent search process and will be sharing updates as they progress.