GREENFIELD — In a remote meeting that lasted just 10 minutes on Friday, School Committee members voted to approve a three-year contract for Karin Patenaude, who was chosen this fall to become the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2024.

“I just wanted to thank everyone for their support,” said Patenaude, who is currently assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Greenfield public schools. “I am really thankful to continue doing this work and blessed that I get to do it in Greenfield. I’m very excited to start this next chapter and I’m truly grateful for all of you and the support you’ve given me.”

Patenaude’s contract, which was signed Friday morning after the vote, offers an annual base salary of $166,000 for the first year. In the second year of the contract, she will earn $173,000, followed by $180,000 in the third year.

The process to appoint the longtime district employee began this fall after Superintendent Christine DeBarge’s announcement in August of her intent to retire at the end of the academic year.

The decision to hire internally followed a meeting with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), during which Field Director Liz Lafond outlined two paths forward for Greenfield, one of which would have entailed a nationwide search. The committee would have had to select a professional firm to work with, which can cost anywhere from $10,500 to $60,000, according to Lafond.

Hiring internally, meanwhile, has always been “a win-win,” Lafond told committee members in October. It’s a shorter, less expensive process and the candidate hired “is already committed to the work in the district.”

Prior to serving as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning — a new role created in 2021 — Patenaude was principal of Greenfield High School. She started with the district as an English teacher about 14 years ago.

When asked about her priorities for the district in November, Patenaude emphasized shoring up staffing and the need for the district to expand its outreach efforts. Her most critical, long-range objective, meanwhile, would be to improve equity in programming for all students. With respect to special education programming in particular, Patenaude noted that data shows many of the district’s subgroups are struggling to meet grade-level standards.

The School Committee voted in November to enter into contract negotiations with Patenaude and on Friday, School Committee members eagerly voted in support of the agreement. Chair Amy Proietti and members Glenn Johnson-Mussad, Susan Eckstrom, Kate Martini and Jean Wall were present, with Mayor Roxann Wedegartner and Elizabeth Deneeve absent.

“I’m thrilled,” said Johnson-Mussad, a sentiment that was echoed by all members at the meeting.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter (X): @MaryEByrne.