MacLeod's Growth Potential Leads To Selection as Superintendent

After weeks of interviews and months of preparation, the Hopkinton School Committee has voted to enter contract negotiations with Cathy MacLeod.

MacLeod is currently the Assistant Superintendent at Easton Public Schools and previously worked as an elementary principal in Pembroke.

According to School Committee members, MacLeod will bring a willingness to learn and a vision that will compensate for her lack of superintendent experience.

"Initially I was unsure because Cathy had not been a superintendent yet," Jean Bertschmann said. "Then I went on the site visits and saw how much she worked hand-in-hand with the Superintendent."

The discussion was quickly narrowed down to a choice between MacLeod and Interim-Superintended Stephen Hiersche.

"Not only has [Hiersche] impressed me with his work this year for us," Scott Aghababian said. "He has the experience of being here with us and knowing the system."

In the end, the discussion changed from what is better for the district in the next year to what will be best for the district long term.

"I think that [MacLeod] has a very high energy level and I'm most excited to see the direction she could take us," Bertschman said.

MacLeod even reportedyl acknowledged her lack of experience to School Committee members during their discussions with her.

"She admitted that there were things she doesn't know," Chairman Nancy Burdick said. "But she is looking forward to learning and growing and her potential growth excites me."

The School Committee will now need to enter into contract negotiations with MacLeod before she can be officially named as Superintendent.