Gilboa-Conesville School Board Approves New Elementary Principal

GILBOA-CONESVILLE _ The Gilboa-Conesville School Board approved Candice Gockel as the district's new elementary principal during a special meeting on July 17. The probationary appointment was effective July 18.

Gockel is moving up from her previous positions as GCSD's K-12 Instructional Technology Facilitator, Data Protection Officer and District Data Coordinator. She is succeeding Jacqueline Frederick, who left to become PK-12 Principal in the Stamford Central School District.

Gockel, who will earn a starting annual salary of $90,000 in the new position, moves into it with a solid track record and the full confidence of Gilboa-Conesville Superintendent Bonnie Johnson.

"Candice Gockel is a seasoned educator and instructional leader who brings over two decades of experience in teaching, program development and educational technology to the Gilboa-Conesville School District," Johnson wrote in emailed comments after the meeting.

"She has spearheaded initiatives that integrate cutting edge technology into the classroom. Her efforts have included launching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs such as drone piloting, student-led podcasting, eSports and the FUSE Studio Curriculum. With a strong background in grant writing, she has secured funding to support innovative, future-ready learning experiences for students and staff."

Johnson added that Gockel has a CAS in Educational Leadership from Russell Sage College and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Camp H.E.R.E. and is also the former CSE Chairperson for Stamford Central School.

"Her 16 years of classroom teaching experience, combined with her commitment to professional development and community engagement, make her a strong advocate for student-centered learning and faculty collaboration," Johnson continued. "Already a valued member of the Gilboa-Conesville community, Gockel's deep knowledge of the district's goals and culture uniquely positions her to support and elevate its mission of empowering lifelong learners." 

In other actions from the July 17 meeting, the board approved the 2025-26 parent/student handbook. The 69-page handbook covers everything from attendance and behavior at school activities, student dress code, consequences of absences and tardiness and dozens of other areas, including school board and administrator responsibilities.

Also approved was the Summer 2025 transporation agreement with Margaretville Central School. In addition, Johnson said the district recently shared its internet enabled device policy and procedures with students and parents through the ParentSquare communication system.

The policy and procedures covers smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other devices that are capable of connecting with the internet and essentially states their use by students is not allowed during the school day and they must be stored in student lockers or a secure area in the main office. However, several exceptions are listed in the policy, which also spells out ways that parents can get in touch with students during the school day.