The Wolcott Town School Board has unanimously selected Kate Gascoyne as the next principal, effective July 1, 2026, citing her strong alignment with the values and priorities of the Wolcott community. The Board looks forward to her vision and leadership.

“We are excited to welcome Kate back to Wolcott Elementary in this new role,” the Board said in a statement. “Her knowledge of what we do at Wolcott and the direction we are heading, along with her existing relationships with both staff and students, was a big factor in her selection. The board is excited for the community to see what we have seen in Kate and for us all to work together in making Wolcott the exceptional educational opportunity it is for all our learners.”

Mrs. Gascoyne, a former Wolcott resident, began her career in education as a parent volunteer at Wolcott Elementary School in 2002. She has since served in a variety of roles at local schools, including one-to-one assistant, music teacher, preschool teacher, and school counselor. She is currently the assistant principal at Hardwick Elementary School, where she enjoys the community’s deep commitment to supporting students’ academic growth through an enriching school experience.

She will succeed Dennis Hill, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

“I am excited to work on the challenge of providing an excellent and holistic education on a tight budget at Wolcott,” Gascoyne said. Being fiscally responsible is going to take a lot of creativity and community collaboration. I believe Wolcott residents are committed to quality education for our children, while we all want lower taxes. It will be an honor to work together to find solutions without compromising the high standards Wolcott is known for.”

Mrs. Gascoyne holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and an advanced endorsement in Educational Leadership from Vermont State University. A mother of three grown children raised in Wolcott, she values strong elementary education in rural communities and is committed to fostering both academic success and personal growth in students.

She has also played a key role in launching several Wolcott school and town initiatives, including Restorative Practices, the School Garden, the Community Forest, Running Club, Bike Busters, and Farm to School programs.

With her deep commitment to the success of every student, the Board believes Mrs. Gascoyne is well-positioned to build on Wolcott Elementary’s momentum and lead the school into its next chapter.