GREENFIELD — Superintendent Christine DeBarge has announced her plan to retire from public education at the end of the upcoming school year, fulfilling the rest of her three-year contract.

“I’ve made the decision with my family to take a step back and be able to spend more time with them,” DeBarge told the School Committee on Wednesday night.

DeBarge was named superintendent in 2021, following the departure of Jordana Harper and a period of interim leadership from Judy Houle with The Management Solutions Inc. At the time, committee members cited DeBarge’s superintendent experience as the reason why she was their top choice of the three candidates who were interviewed by the full committee. Prior to coming to Greenfield, she served as superintendent of East Windsor Public Schools in Connecticut.

“This will be my last year, not just with Greenfield, but as a public school administrator,” she said. “I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity.”

School Committee Chair Amy Proietti said she appreciates all that DeBarge has done for Greenfield.

“How far we’ve come is evident in any number of ways, whether you’re talking to a student or a staff member or a member of the leadership team, or a member of the School Committee. We’ve made huge strides under your leadership,” Proietti told DeBarge. “I thank you the most for giving us another year with your expertise and guidance.”

Proietti added it is nice to see DeBarge leaving “on a positive note.”

“I think that speaks to your commitment to professionalism in your profession,” she said.

School Committee member Jean Wall also offered her thanks to DeBarge Wednesday night.

“Thank you for coming to Greenfield and teaching us how school systems should run,” she said. “You’ve done an excellent job.”

Proietti said the School Committee plans to invite the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), which coordinated the last superintendent search in 2021, to a special meeting in September to begin discussing potential paths forward. She added that the committee is grateful for the extended timeline offered by DeBarge.

“I’m not leaving tomorrow, but this has been an extraordinary place to work,” DeBarge said. “I’m very much looking forward to this year. There’s so much to do. I’m very excited about what’s going to happen.”

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

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