MASC annually honors two legislators—one from the House of Representatives and one from the Senate—recognizing their exceptional contributions to public education in Massachusetts.
Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) is proud to announce that Representative Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston) has been named the 2024 Legislator of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding commitment to public education and her tireless advocacy for Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
Representative LaNatra has been a steadfast champion for public education, consistently supporting policies that ensure equitable resources and opportunities for all students across the Commonwealth. Her work on key legislative initiatives has been instrumental in advancing critical issues such as school funding, student mental health, and support for educators.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to the Massachusetts School Committee Association for this recognition. As a proud parent of public-school students, I know firsthand that strong public schools are vital to the success of every student in Massachusetts. It has been my privilege to advocate for policies that ensure our Commonwealth remains a leader in public education, and I look forward to continuing this important work for years to come,” said Representative LaNatra.
“Representative LaNatra’s dedication to public education and her deep understanding of the needs of our schools have made her an invaluable ally to school committees and educational leaders statewide,” said MASC President Mildred Lefebvre. “We are honored to recognize her efforts and her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student in Massachusetts has access to a high-quality education.”
Representative LaNatra has been a strong advocate for fully funding the Student Opportunity Act, increasing per-pupil funding, and ensuring students have access to universal school meals. She has prioritized school safety by supporting state funding for School Resource Officer programs to keep schools secure.
Notably, Representative LaNatra has been a vocal advocate for increased collaboration between state and local education stakeholders, recognizing that a strong partnership is essential for meeting the diverse needs of students and families.
The Legislator of the Year award will be presented to Representative LaNatra during the MASC/M.A.S.S. Joint Conference in Hyannis, MA taking place on November 6th through 9th. This annual event brings together school committee members, superintendents, and education professionals from across the state to discuss key issues and share best practices in public education.
About MASC
The Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) is dedicated to the advancement of effective school leadership and student achievement in Massachusetts. MASC provides advocacy, training, and resources to support the work of school committees and promote the best interests of public-school students.
MASC President-Elect & Silver Lake Regional School Committee Member Jason Fraser (Left) presented Representative Kathy LaNatra (right) with the MASC 2024 Legislator of the Year Award at a recent Silver Lake Regional School Committee Meeting.
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