A great community has a strong commitment to its schools -- in ways that go beyond just money. Caring about the future of the next generation is tied to caring about the future of senior citizens, tied to how people make ends meet, open space, and more.

Some very tough choices will soon face Natick. The community will have decisions to make about a new or renovated high school, which is urgently needed, other school buildings and budgets, a senior/community center, parking garage, and our general operating budget. And at the same time, there are citizens under financial stress, counting pennies.

For too long, these issues have been looked at as separate, competing interests. Natick's leadership across the board must start looking at all of the needs as intertwined, and as important to us all. Discussions about schools, parking, taxes, CPA, mall money, and budget shortfalls can not responsibly be 'stovepiped,' but must be put into a single context.

The High School will be the most expensive item on the list. We must start now to include the need for a high school in every discussion about the town's plans. It's not the only important item, however, nor the only concern. We must build coalitions and build trust. Only in that way will we have a community with priorities that reflect those of all its citizens.