Currently in his 14th year leading the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, Superintendent Randall Squier announced his pending retirement to faculty and staff, effective prior to the end of his current contract which runs until August 7, 2026.
“This decision comes after much reflection and with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, and community since August 2011,” Squier said.
Squier’s leadership has not only transformed the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, but also positioned it as a national model for future-directed education. His unwavering dedication to student success, innovation, and community partnerships has left an indelible mark on the district and the school community.
“I am proud to have led C-A toward a vision of innovation, student-centered learning, and community engagement,” he said. “Together, we have transformed Coxsackie-Athens into a national model of future-directed learning, marked by significant achievements in academics, technology, facilities, and partnerships that will allow students to achieve extraordinary success for years to come.”
Coxsackie-Athens CSD Accomplishments (since 2011)
Historic Graduation Rate Growth: The graduation rate rose from 73% (2004-11) to 93% in 2022, a testament to the district’s commitment to student success.
College and Career Readiness: The high school increased the number of college course offerings from 11 to 33. Since 2019, 100% of graduates have completed at least one college course, with many earning 24+ college credits by graduation.
Research-Based Learning: A 2019 goal ensured every K-12 student completes a research-based writing project annually; by 2022, 98% met this standard and now all students are completing three projects annually.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten: The district established a UPK program in 2022-23 providing early learning access to four-year olds.
Beyond Test Scores: The district shifted from standardized test-focused learning to an emphasis on applied knowledge and real-world problem-solving.
Pathways to Success: Superintendent Squier prioritized career-aligned pathways, expanding opportunities in STEM, media arts, and technical education, ensuring students graduate with skills for evolving industries.
Student-Driven Clubs & Activities: More than 35 clubs were established based on student interests, including robotics, gardening, history wall and aqua science.
Athletic Achievements: The district has consistently excelled in athletics, with multiple conference and sectional championships in sports such as track, wrestling, and volleyball, while being recognized by the NYSPHSAA as a district of distinction for academic excellence for the last four years.
National Recognition: Ranked 3rd nationally for digital conversion by the National School Boards Association.
1:1 Technology Access: By 2017, every student had access to a mobile device.
Apple Distinguished Schools: The only New York State district where all schools earned this prestigious designation for digital innovation.
Demonstration District: Selected as one of only 13 schools nationwide to model future-directed education.
C-A Student Help (CASH): Nationally recognized student-led help desk providing career-ready skills in technology support.
Federal Grants for Innovation: Secured $750,000 to upgrade district hardware and enhance mobile learning.
Major Capital Improvements: Led $15.6 million in renovations, including advanced manufacturing labs, a modernized library, and upgraded athletic facilities. Oversaw a $3.6 million project that replaced aging roofs, constructed new tennis courts, added back up power generation and created the nature trail and disc golf course.
Energy Performance Projects: Implemented a $2.7 million energy initiative projected to generate $2 million in revenue, with a $9.9 million project underway to eliminate electric costs while providing classroom air conditioning at no taxpayer expense.
Award-Winning Facilities: The high school library received the Eastern Architects Association’s Award of Merit.
Safety: Modernized hard safety measures including cameras, alarm activation systems and door access, providing a safe learning environment.
100% Community Service Participation: All students engage in service projects annually, reinforcing civic responsibility.
Wall of Honor: Recognizes outstanding alumni and former school employees.
Industry Partnerships: Collaboration with Ducommun and other businesses provided students with job training opportunities.
Coxsackie-Athens Foundation for Education (CAFÉ): Established in 2011-12, funding grants to enhance student learning experiences.
Rebranding as Riverhawks: Transitioned from the "Indians" mascot to the “Riverhawks” through a cohesive rebranding effort.
Community School Initiative: Expanded services beyond education, including wellness programs and lifelong learning opportunities.
Mental Health Investments: The district doubled its counseling staff, ensuring students had access to school psychologists, social workers, and mental health therapists to support student well-being.
RIVERHAWKS Core Values: Established a district-wide culture emphasizing Respect, Independence, Voice, Empathy, Resilience, Honesty, Acceptance, Wellness, Kindness, and Safety.
Free Meals for All Students: Became a Community Eligible District, ensuring all students receive free breakfast and lunch.
Additionally, Squier led the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully transitioning to fully remote instruction, ensuring all students had continued access to learning. He implemented a dynamic learning model that allowed students to return safely to in-person education that fall.
This summary highlights just a portion of his extraordinary contributions, ensuring that C-A students graduate prepared for college, careers, and life beyond.
Superintendent Squier’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the district's history, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, community partnership, and visionary leadership.