LETTER: Re-Elect Collins To Natick School Committee

NATICK – For 30 years, I have been a licensed educator in Massachusetts and have taught in several local school districts.

I am writing to support Cathi Collins for re-election to the Natick School Committee. I have known Cathi for close to 20 years and have watched her work tirelessly as a volunteer for the Town in many different capacities. Cathi is the current Vice Chair of the School Committee. She has served as a Town Meeting member, a member of the Finance Committee for 12 years (the most allowed) including 11 years as Chair of the Education subcommittee and various other town meeting committees. She has served as a Finance Committee and currently as the School Committee representative on the town’s Audit Advisory Committee. She is also on the FIDO Board that oversees the dog park and has worked with other Natick artists and Natick Center Associates promoting art throughout the community.

From the beginning Cathi took the time to learn and understand the school budget from the Town side as well State requirements. She is a member of the School Committee that oversaw the construction and opening of the new state of the art Kennedy Middle School. The building opened on time and under budget as a result of the management oversight of the project. The opening of this building has resulted in the reduction of class sizes at the middle school level as well as the equalization of programming.

She has and continues to advocate for the resources necessary to provide an excellent and equitable education for all Natick students. Cathi has taken the time to understand the intricacies of providing quality education to a diverse group of students. She has been an active member of the School Committee’s policy subcommittee, working on all of the policies which affect students and faculty including those relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the district.

Cathi is the School Committee representative to the Influence 100 program sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This program was launched by DESE to create more culturally responsive districts and leaders and promote better outcomes for students.

Over the past two years of the COVID pandemic, Cathi has worked with the town and the school administration to provide the best services possible during this difficult time for students,
families, and faculty. She continues to serve on the negotiation team. Cathi’s financial background serves the school committee and community well. I urge your support for her on March 29th

Marjorie Packer
Natick