The Cohoes City School School District Board of Education approved the recommendation of Raychel Marcil as the new principal for Abram Lansing Elementary at their meeting last night.
Mrs. Marcil will fill the position of long-time principal Cliff Bird, who retired at the end of January. Dr. Mark Pitterson stepped in to fill the vacancy as the interim principal and will remain through July 1, 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
A life-long Cohoes resident, Mrs. Marcil has largely spent her career working in the Cohoes City School District. She got her start at Harmony Hill in 2006, serving for 15 years as the school’s social worker.
“I came in as a new school social worker and left as a certified administrator,” she said. “I learned how to truly listen to ‘learn;’ to support students and their families and to hear what the true needs are and then work to meet those needs.”
She left Harmony Hill to become the director of social emotional learning in the Queensbury Union Free District. But as the phrase goes, “all roads lead back home,” and less than two years later, she accepted the role of director of multi-tiered systems of support for the Cohoes City School District in 2023. It’s a role, she says, that has prepared her for being a principal.
“Working as the director of MTSS has given me a high-level understanding of student support systems, but also taught me what I value most: the human connection,” said Mrs. Marcil. In her new position, she aims to foster an environment where school is the best part of a student’s day.
“I’m not just an educator; I’m a “cheerleader-in-chief” who wants to ensure every child feels supported the moment they walk through the door,” she said. “My goal is to provide a collaborative environment for our educators ensuring that they have all of the resources and tools necessary to provide the highest level of instruction in their classrooms and meet the instructional needs of all learners.”
Having worked alongside Mrs. Marcil for many years, Superintendent Peggy O’Shea knows that her commitment and dedication to our students and families runs deep.
“I am thrilled to appoint a leader who brings both professional expertise and a deep connection to our community,” said Superintendent Peggy O’Shea. “Raychel will collaborate closely with staff to ensure a supportive and inspiring environment where every student can thrive.”
Mrs. Marcil received her Bachelor of Science degree from Marist College and her Master of Social Work and Building Leadership Advanced Certificate through the State University of New York at Albany. She earned her School District Leadership Advanced Certificate through the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.