Rachael Garcia, principal of P.S. 173 in Manhattan, tapped for top job at Colonial
Rachael Garcia, principal of P.S. 173 in Manhattan, is expected to become principal of Colonial School this summer after receiving the nod from Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ, according to a press release from the school district.
Following Champ’s recommendation, the school board will vote on Garcia’s appointment at Wednesday’s meeting. Her start date would be July 6.
Garcia “has an extensive career in elementary education, possessing valuable experience which I believe make her an exceptional fit for our district,” Champ said in the release. “Throughout the screening process, Ms. Garcia emerged as an impressive candidate from a diverse and talented field. Her skills as a communicator, collaborator and educational leader were apparent throughout the process, which included interviews with myself and my cabinet, committees of parents, administrators and teachers, and a final interview with the board of education. In her current role, which she has held since 2015, Ms. Garcia has worked to build a strong sense of community in her school and make P.S. 173 an inviting environment for staff and students alike.”
Garcia holds a master’s of school administration and supervision from Mercy College and a B.S. in elementary education from Iona College and is currently completing a master’s in progressive leadership from Bank Street College.
“Pelham represents the ideal community where people really care about each other and where everyone matters,” Garcia said in the district’s release. “As a district, Pelham’s focus on educating the ‘whole child’ really speaks to their love of children, their commitment to student success and the importance of building relationships. I am excited to meet the students, staff, families and community members and eager to start building those powerful relationships that make ‘Pelham Strong!'”
Before becoming principal of P.S. 173, Garcia held positions as assistant principal and literacy coach at P.S. 555: Mount Eden Children’s Academy, where she developed the K-5 literacy curriculum and supervised the special education program, among other responsibilities. Her elementary school experience also includes an 11-year teaching career during which she taught Kindergarten, third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade in New York City schools.
Colonial principal Tonya Wilson left for a new position in the Chappaqua school district last summer. Susan Gilbert, retired principal of Siwanoy School, has served as interim principal this year.
