We will have three (3) vacancies on the Board of Education that shall be voted upon at the annual budget vote and election on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, each for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2025 and concluding June 30, 2028.  These vacancies arise from the expiration of terms of current board members Kathleen Bratt, Kristin Cox, and Timothy Hulbert. Join us for Meet The Candidates Night on Monday, May 5th at 6PM in the Junior-Senior High School Library to hear from these individuals!

KATHLEEN BRATT - I am a life-long resident of the Cato-Meridian school district and community. My husband and I are both alumni of CM as are our 6 children and so far, 6 grandchildren. I have been a member of the school board since 2003, and also serve on the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES school board. I have been actively involved at the school in many roles. I have a classroom volunteer, chaperone, in Band Boosters, and Sports Boosters. I chaired the after Prom Party for several years. You will see me at many school activities. I am in the Rotary Club and I am a volunteer EMT with CIMVAC ambulance. I am a retired RN and Nurse Practitioner, and finished my career as a school nurse. As an experienced school board member, I have been through ups and downs. I was here through the fire in the school, the austerity budget when I helped raise $100,000 for varsity sports. I have seen 0% tax increases, and high tax increases when tough decisions had to be made. As an experienced board member, I would like to continue to steer the district in a positive direction, financially and culturally. We will have a new superintendent who will need someone well-versed in the district and the community. I think my record speaks for itself. I have years of involvement in a variety of activities for our students and years of experience as a school board member to help guide us together in a positive direction. We need to continue to do what is best for our children.

AMANDA VALLEE - As a mother of two amazing daughters in the district, I am deeply committed to ensuring our school district delivers an outstanding education. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and 16 years of leadership experience at Lifetime Benefits Solutions—where I serve as Manager of COBRA & Premium Billing—I bring a broad range of expertise across various leadership domains. My skills encompass budgeting, team management, and strategic planning, making me uniquely positioned to contribute effectively to our community. Since moving to Cato-Meridian in 2008, I have been actively involved in our community. I have served as Treasurer for the Otters Team and the Rec Center Foundation Board, and I actively participate in several local boards and committees. My engagement with the school district includes attending school board meetings, contributing to strategic planning sessions, assisting in the selection of our new superintendent, and listening to staff and parents to better understand our district’s priorities. If elected, I will advocate for academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, transparency, school safety, and strengthening our sports programs. I would be honored to serve and represent our district. Please vote for me on May 20th!

BETH NASHOLTS - Hello Cato-Meridian!  As a lifelong resident of the area and a parent of two children in the district, I’m proud to be running for a seat on the Cato-Meridian School Board. For the past 13 years, my family and I have been deeply rooted in this community, and I’m committed to giving back through meaningful service. Professionally, I bring strong analytical skills and a common-sense approach to decision-making. As a working parent, I understand the importance of a school system that supports both academic success and personal growth. We are fortunate to have outstanding teachers, staff, and administrators. As a board member, I will advocate for maintaining high standards and ensuring that student success remains the focus of every decision. I want all students to graduate confident, prepared, and ready to thrive. I also believe in open communication, transparency, and unity between the board and the community. Building trust is key to creating a positive, supportive school environment for all. The role of a board member requires thoughtful leadership and tough decisions, always with the best interest of the entire district in mind. I respectfully ask for your vote on May 20th.

KRISTIN COX - I am running for re-election for the Cato-Meridian School Board. I was born and raised in Freehold, NJ, graduated from Cornell University in 1996 and moved to Cato-Meridian in 2001 with my husband and 2-year-old daughter and started our dairy farm, Ox Cart Dairy. Two years ago, we added a sheep grazing business. We have four children who have all grown up in the district; Abbie, Lydia, Merritt, and Everett. I strongly believe that it is important to serve your community. I have served on other boards including the County Farm Bureau, the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, and the Town of Ira’s Comprehensive Plan committee. I have served as a Girl Scout leader and Odyssey of the Mind coach. It seems no matter where I become involved one important thing always rises to the surface for me, that is how can we educate our kids to become the best that they can be, because when we do this our communities and local businesses can grow. I am proud to have employed over 30 students from Cato-Meridian. I believe in more opportunities to connect students with real careers, job-based skills and project-based learning. We live in a strong community and we can provide a great education for students in our small town, we just need to think “outside the box”. Thank you for supporting me and our community in the upcoming school election.

TIMOTHY HULBERT -  My wife and I have been married for almost 19 years and have four children, all of whom attend school here in the district. I am running for re-election because I believe I bring an honest and common-sense approach to my position on the school board. A school board must be responsive and receptive to parents, staff, students, and the community at large, encouraging open dialogue. I believe a strong public school district benefits the entire community. This is my sixth year on the school board, and I am excited about the great things happening in our school district, including the current capital projects. A strong school district encourages families to stay in our community and send their children to our schools. There are many great things to be proud of at Cato Meridian. There are many issues that we, as board members, need to contend with and keep abreast of. I am excited to continue participating in this board and utilizing the strengths I have gained personally and professionally to assist them. I appreciate your support over the last six years. Thank you!