Cathy MacLeod will officially begin work as Hopkinton school superintendent on July 1 after successful negotiations produced a three-year contract that includes a salary of $170.000, according to a press release. The School Committee voted to hire MacLeod at the end of January, selecting her from a group of three finalists. “I want to thank the School Committee and the community of Hopkinton for this wonderful opportunity,” MacLeod wrote in an e-mail at that time. “I am thrilled to have the privilege of serving as your next Superintendent of Schools and look forward to working with you to continue your pursuit of excellence in the education of your children.” MacLeod, currently the assistant superintendent in Easton, will work with interim Superintendent Steven Hiersche during a transition period before her official start date and will attend monthly meetings with the administrative team. She will also be involved in the selection of new principals at the Center School and the high school.