Published: 7/28/2017 8:23:28 PM
GREENFIELD — When the school year rolls around, students and faculty will recognize a familiar face at the helm of the town’s high school.
Karin Patenaude is the new principal of Greenfield High School, after Superintendent Jordana Harper lifted the “acting” title Friday afternoon.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for this opportunity to lead Greenfield High School in the role of principal,” Patenaude said in an email to The Greenfield Recorder.
This announcement piggybacks the retirement of Donna Woodcock, who was the principal of Greenfield High School since 2008.
“Ms. Patenaude has done an exceptional job in her role as acting principal,” Harper said in a statement. “With her experience as a teacher and school-based leader, she is enthusiastically supported by teachers and keeps students at the center of her work. Karin has the right skills to take GHS to the next level and we are thrilled she is a part of our leadership team.”
Patenaude moved into the position of acting principal last fall, when Woodcock took a leave.
At the end of May, teachers came to the School Committee to express their support of Patenaude, who served as their principal for essentially the entire 2016-17 school year, presenting a letter with about 55 signatures from teachers and staff.
“We are immensely grateful to have had Karin’s leadership during this disruptive year,” the letter said. “Without her guidance there was the potential for long-term damage to our school community. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to her for helping us ‘be what we know we could be.’”
Reach Joshua Solomon at:
jsolomon@recorder.com
413-772-0261, ext. 264