Easton Assistant Superintendent Cathy MacLeod Picked to Lead Hopkinton School Department

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.

She has served in the Shovel Town since 2010 when she took over to work with Superintendent Michael Green.

Hopkinton school committee members had visited Easton to see MacLeod at work.

"Initially I was unsure because Cathy had not been a superintendent yet," Hopkinton School Committee member 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-Superintendent 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.

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